Ottawa mayor Jim Watson banned from Russia
Ottawa mayor Jim Watson has been banned from Russia, part of escalating sanctions due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Watson is one of 61 people including politicians, senior bureaucrats, military officials and other notable Canadians whom Russia is banning from travelling there.
The Russian foreign ministry said in a statement announcing the people sanctioned are “directly involved in the development, substantiation and implementation of the Russophobic course of the ruling regime in Canada.”
Watson issued a statement saying he assumes he’s on the list because he asked city staff to install ‘Free Ukraine’ street signs outside the Russian embassy.
“I do not take this ban seriously and I will continue to speak out against the war crimes being committed by Putin.”
Canada has imposed strict sanctions on the Putin regime due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February.
On Tuesday, the federal government announced new sanctions on 14 close associates of Russian president Vladimir Putin, including his daughters.
Along with Watson, newly-sanctioned politicians include premiers Doug Ford of Ontario, John Horgan of B.C., Jason Kenney of Alberta, Scott Moe of Saskatchewan and Heather Stefanson of Manitoba. Toronto mayor John Tory has also been banned.
Former senator Romeo Dallaire is on the list, along with Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem and U.N. ambassador Bob Rae.
Several prime minister’s office senior employees, senior government ministers, military and intelligence officials, media executives and journalists are also on the list.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.