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
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.