Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA)

Several members of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association joined parliamentarians from other NATO countries to participate in a virtual meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Interparliamentary Council (UNIC). Ukranian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Perebyinis and Major General Oleksandr Kyrylenko, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, addressed the participants. Both speakers spoke about recent events in Ukraine, such as the military counteroffensive carried out by Ukraine's armed forces in some of the country's northeastern and southern regions. As well, they called for continued political, economic and military support from NATO countries towards Ukraine, while highlighting the need to increase political and economic pressure on Russia.

Since 2003, UNIC has provided an essential forum for members of parliament from the Alliance and from Ukraine to exchange on all aspects of Ukraine’s cooperation with NATO.

11:00 a.m.

To be eligible to vote at the AGM the deadline for membership for this association is 30 days before the meeting.

On 1 February 2022, MP Julie Dzerowicz, NATO PA Vice-President and Vice-President of the Canadian NATO PA, MP Cheryl Gallant, also Vice-President of the Canadian NATO PA, and Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia participated in a virtual meeting of the NATO PA Standing Committee. During this meeting, participating delegates exchanged views on the 21 draft NATO PA recommendations for the 2022 NATO Strategic Concept. The Canadian delegation highlighted several issues to keep in mind when revising NATO's Strategic Concept. These issues included the need to protect minority rights, particularly those of migrants; address China’s rise and increased assertiveness; advance non-nuclear proliferation; and respond to cyber security threats and other issues like brain-computer interface. Participating delegates also discussed the most recent developments in Ukraine and expressed their support for the Ukrainian people amidst acts of Russian aggression.

The Honourable Vernon White, Senator, attended the Ukraine-NATO Interparliamentary Council (UNIC) meeting that took place in Brussels, Belgium, on January 24, 2022, via videoconference. During the meeting, Mr. Michal Szczerba from Poland was elected Co-Chair of the Council. Participants were briefed on Ukraine’s political situation and on recent developments in the region and discussed next steps in the political relationship between Ukraine and NATO. The NATO PA members reiterated their commitment to support Ukraine on its path of reform and their firm support for Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity. Members were also briefed on the progress being made regarding the development of the new NATO Strategic Concept and were invited to share their views on what should be included.