WELLINGTON COUNTY – Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong says a recent travel ban imposed on him by Russia is merely “symbolic” and a “sign of desperation.”
“I had no plans to travel to Russia and I have no business dealings in Russia,” Chong confirmed in a phone call with the Advertiser.
The March 15 announcement of the ban, which includes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and almost all members of parliament, came shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed Canada’s House of Commons in an emotional appeal for more support to help his country repel Russian invaders.
“I think it’s retaliatory for the fact that western governments have sanctioned members of the Russian legislature,” Chong said, adding the move would be “of no consequence.”
Russia’s Foreign Ministry has publicly stated it is maintaining official relations, and if necessary, would make sure that high-level contacts with those on the list could continue.
It’s not the first time Chong, the Conservative Party’s foreign affairs critic, has been banned by a foreign government.
In 2021, China imposed retaliatory sanctions on Chong following Canada’s imposition of sanctions against senior Chinese officials, and for his role on a parliamentary sub-committee that accused China of committing genocide against Muslim groups in the country’s Xinjiang region.
At the time, in an opinion piece published by the Globe and Mail, Chong called the travel ban and sanctions prohibiting Chinese citizens and institutions from doing business with him “clumsy.”
“I think it demonstrates that governments are starting to … stand up against authoritarianism, against the threats from autocrats like President Putin and President Xi, and I think we have to wake up to this reality that these leaders are threatening democracies,” Chong said.
“These threats are no longer an academic exercise.”
Chong suggested Russia is running out of options and becoming desperate, but he also admitted he’s unable to predict what Putin will do next.
“I think if we don’t take a strong stance in defence of democracy, in defence of Ukraine, then I think it will only further embolden Putin to invade other countries,” Chong said.
Asked how Canada should respond to the ban, the MP said he doesn’t believe the government should.
Chong has advocated for Russia’s isolation internationally, and believes this latest move will only further the isolation caused by global sanctions.
PERTH-WELLINGTON MP JOHN NATER (Advertiser file photo)
Perth-Wellington MP John Nater considers it a compliment to be included among 313 Canadians banned from Russia in apparent retribution for this country’s support for Ukraine.
“To be included on the list of 313 Canadians banned from Russia is a tremendous compliment,” Nater stated in an email to the Advertiser.
“The fact that so many Members of Parliament representing all political parties are included on this list, shows that Canada is united in our support for Ukraine and our opposition to Russian aggression.”
Nater called Zelenskyy’s address to Parliament “truly historic” and said it’s crucial Ukrainians have Canada’s support behind them.
Although his appearance in the House was virtual, Nater said Zelenskyy has joined a select group of international dignitaries to address Canada’s Parliament.
“Adding his name to a list that includes eminent figures such as Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai, shows how Volodymyr Zelenskyy is rising to the occasion and marking his place in world history,” Nater said.
“It was a privilege to sit in the House of Commons during his address and I am hopeful after this invasion has ended we will have the honour of welcoming President Zelenskyy to our House of Commons in person.”
