Canada introduces bill to ban Russia’s Putin and others from entering country

By Steve Scherer

OTTAWA (Reuters) -Canada on Tuesday launched a invoice within the Senate that may ban Russian President Vladimir Putin and a few 1,000 different members of his authorities and navy from coming into the nation because it continues to ratchet up sanctions after the invasion of Ukraine.

“Banning shut associates and key supporters of Putin’s regime, together with these chargeable for this unprovoked aggression, from coming into our nation is likely one of the some ways by which we’re holding Russia accountable for its crimes,” Public Security Minister Marco Mendicino mentioned in an announcement.

Canada has imposed a lot of sanctions in opposition to Russia, together with different Western allies, since Russia started what it calls a “particular navy operation” in Ukraine in February.

Canada has sanctioned the Russian protection sector and a whole bunch of people and entities whereas on the identical time sending weapons to Ukraine. Earlier this month throughout a visit to Kyiv, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised extra weapons and gear.

In response to sanctions, Russia has banned Trudeau, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and virtually 600 different Canadians from coming into the nation.

Canada can not ban entry to people coated by sanctions with out amending the so-called Immigration and Refugee Safety Act (IRPA), a spokesman for the ministry mentioned.

“As soon as in pressure, these amendments to IRPA will apply to all overseas nationals topic to sanctions by Canada, and any accompanying relations,” an announcement mentioned.

(Reporting by Steve Scherer; enhancing by Jonathan Oatis and Sandra Maler)