Canadian Government Warns Citizens In Ukraine To Leave Immediately
By Donald Standeford, Correspondent - Follow -
Date Published: February 8, 2022 04:25PM UTC
Last Modified: February 8, 2022 04:25PM UTC
CANADA - The Canadian government is reportedly telling its citizens in the country to leave Ukraine immediately in the 'anticipation of a Russian invasion' according to The Globe And Mail Canadian news agency.
The warning, which was issued to Canadians who were registered with the department of Global Affairs told Canadian citizens to get out of the country on the first available flight and to avoid travel to Ukraine. This was reportedly confirmed by a senior government official who they did not identify as they were allegedly not authorized to give the information out publicly.
The email advisory stated that consular services could become severely limited and that Canadians should leave 'while commercial means are available'. The advisory also stated "Russian military action in Ukraine could disrupt transportation routes and services throughout the country. Flights could be disrupted or canceled on short notice, resulting in delayed departure. They could also become scarce, making it difficult for you to leave the country".
The advisory said that Canadians who aren't prepared to leave Ukraine should be 'prepared to shelter in place' and warned of disruptions in electricity, telecommunications, water, medical care and food supplies.
Global Affairs said that "the situation is very volatile" and said that Canadians who do decide to stay in the country should monitor 'trustworthy' news sources, keep their documents up to date and have a personal security plan.
Fen Hampson, who is a Chancellor’s Professor at Carleton University said that the advisory is clearly based on sound intel, likely from the Americans and Ottawa wants to make sure Canadians know it can't help them if Russian troops cross into Ukraine.
"It’s also a warning that if you suddenly found yourself in dire circumstances in the middle of an invasion, our government is not going to be able to do anything to help you" he stated. "Evacuation is going to be extremely difficult because you have the Russian fleet in the Black Sea so you are not going to get people out of there and there will be no flights".
The article also spoke of a massive Ukrainian refugee crisis that would 'challenge Canada's immigration response' given that Canada is home to 1.4 million Ukrainian-Canadians.
"A lot of Ukrainians will be fleeing the country and a lot of them have family members in Canada so are we ready for this?" Hampson stated.
