“Today marks the one-year anniversary of the so-called ‘referendum’ held in Crimea, a region under illegal military occupation. One year later, our position remains firm: Canada will never recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea and we continue to call on the Putin regime to cease its destabilization campaign, fully withdraw from Ukraine and respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Canada has been a leader in the global response against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. In the last year, Canada has provided non-lethal equipment to the Ukrainian government, imposed a robust set of sanctions and provided considerable bilateral assistance and humanitarian support to the Ukrainian people.

The crisis in Ukraine has cost the lives of over 6,000 people, and Canada’s resolve against the Putin regime’s aggression and threats to peace and security in Central and Eastern Europe is unwavering. Canada will continue to stand with our partners and allies in support of the people of Ukraine as they work to build a more peaceful, democratic and prosperous future.

http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2015/03/16a.aspx?lang=eng