Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, and the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Joyce Murray, announced that the Government of Canada intends to ban Russian-owned or registered ships and fishing vessels in Canadian ports and internal waters. The ban is expected to be in effect later this week through orders made pursuant to the Special Economic Measures Act.

“Russia must be held accountable for its aggression in Ukraine. Canada will continue to do what is necessary to respond. Today, we are taking steps to close Canadian ports and internal waters to Russian-owned or registered ships. The Government of Canada condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and we will continue to take action to stand with Ukraine.”

The Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport

“As President Putin continues his horrific and unjustifiable assault on Ukraine and its people, Canada will use every tool at its disposal to ensure that the Russian leadership is punished for their aggressive and destabilizing acts. Canada will continue to impose measures to respond to Russia’s blatant disregard of international law. Our message is clear: Canada stands with Ukraine and its brave and resilient people.”

The Honourable Mélanie Joly
Minister of Foreign Affairs

“President Putin’s war on Ukraine is a war on freedom, on democracy, and on the rights of Ukrainians. These acts, which carry profound human consequences, will not go unpunished. The Canadian Coast Guard and its members will be there to support on-water law enforcement partners. Canada and our allies will continue to stand with Ukraine and its people.”

The Honourable Joyce Murray
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Associated links

• Canada's sanctions related to Russia
• Canada’s response to the crisis in Ukraine
• Government of Canada prohibits Russian aircraft to enter Canadian airspace

Laurel Lennox
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
Laurel.Lennox@tc.gc.ca
343-549-7892

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
media@tc.gc.ca
613-993-0055

Maéva Proteau
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Maeva.Proteau@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca

Claire Teichman
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
604-679-5462
Claire.Teichman@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca