Government of Canada Prohibits Russian Ships and Fishing Vessels from Entering Canadian Ports and Internal Waters

Government of Canada Prohibits Russian Ships and Fishing Vessels from Entering Canadian Ports and Internal Waters.

On March 1, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, and the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Joyce Murray, announced that the Government of Canada banned Russian-owned or registered ships and fishing vessels in Canadian ports and internal waters. The ban is expected to be in effect later this week through orders made pursuant to the Special Economic Measures Act.

These actions are part of ongoing coordination efforts among G7 partners and like-minded countries to hold Russian leadership accountable for its escalating aggression.

“Russia must be held accountable for its aggression in Ukraine. Canada will continue to do what is necessary to respond,” said The Honourable Omar Alghabr, Minister of Transport. “Today, we are taking steps to close Canadian ports and internal waters to Russian-owned or registered ships. The Government of Canada condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and we will continue to take action to stand with Ukraine.”

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs said: “As President Putin continues his horrific and unjustifiable assault on Ukraine and its people, Canada will use every tool at its disposal to ensure that the Russian leadership is punished for their aggressive and destabilizing acts. Canada will continue to impose measures to respond to Russia’s blatant disregard of international law. Our message is clear: Canada stands with Ukraine and its brave and resilient people.”

“President Putin’s war on Ukraine is a war on freedom, on democracy, and on the rights of Ukrainians,” said The Honourable Joyce Murray Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. “These acts, which carry profound human consequences, will not go unpunished. The Canadian Coast Guard and its members will be there to support on-water law enforcement partners. Canada and our allies will continue to stand with Ukraine and its people.”