The Russian government has issued a fresh round of sanctions on prominent Canadians, including Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem.
Officials in Moscow announced that they have indefinitely banned 61 Canadians from entering Russia, including Macklem, as well as several premiers, mayors, journalists, military officials and top staffers in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government.
Canadians named by Russia have been placed on a “stop list,” meaning they’d be denied entry to the Russian Federation. It’s a move Russia says is in direct retaliation for Canada’s ongoing imposition of sanctions on influential Russians to pressure President Vladimir Putin to stop his military’s attacks on Ukraine.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and British Columbia Premier John Horgan are on the latest list.
So too are Toronto Mayor John Tory and Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, as are Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations Bob Rae, Acting Clerk of the Privy Council Janice Charette, former foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy.
Russia’s ban appears to be a countermove made after Canada sanctioned some top Russian media figures earlier this week, as well as Vladimir Putin’s daughters.
Russia has also vowed more names will be added “in response to the hostile actions of the Government of Canada,” citing Canada’s decision to back Ukraine by sending weapons and other aid to assist in their fight against Putin’s attacks.
The Canadians added to the sanctions list consider the move to be largely inconsequential. Ottawa’s mayor issued a statement saying he assumes he’s on the list because he asked city staff to install “Free Ukraine” signs outside the Russian embassy.
