Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird issued the following statement:

“Canada fully rejects the so-called referendums staged today in parts of eastern Ukraine.

“These votes are a farce and constitute another attempt by pro-Russian separatists to incite violence and further divide the country.

“The only legitimate vote will be on May 25, 2014, when real democratic action will be at play as Ukrainians take to the polls to call for a stable, prosperous, united future.

“Canada will be there to support the people of Ukraine as they chart this new course in their history.”

 http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2014/05/11b.aspx?lang=eng