Canada’s $385 Million Defense Pledge to Ukraine Awaits Parliamentary Nod

The Canadian government has asked Parliament to allocate CAD 500 million (about £385 million) for military aid to Ukraine. This is stated in the document submitted by the Canadian government to the House of Commons, which became known to Ukrinform news agency's journalists. "We ask the Parliament to approve the allocation of 500 million Canadian dollars for the Ministry of Defense to provide military assistance to Ukraine," the document says.

It is noted that these funds will be used to "provide equipment and services to Ukraine in defense of its sovereignty, including firearms, cameras for drones, pilot training, and tank maintenance." The document also includes about £38.5 million for the Canadian military training mission, UNIFIER.

A Canadian instructor trains the Ukrainian military to use NLAW as part of the UNIFIER mission, October 2022. Photo credits: Canadian Forces

There is also mention of more than CAD 67 million for the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel migration program.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his intention to provide Ukraine with CAD 500 million in new military aid in September during Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Ottawa. At the time, he added that Canada would also send expert trainers in the use and maintenance of F-16s "so that Ukraine can make the most of the donated aircraft." "We will continue to work with our partners, including NATO, to provide unwavering assistance, and we will also provide economic assistance next year," the Prime Minister said at the time.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Photo from open sources

In September, Canada allocated £24.5 million to a UK-led partnership that is purchasing air defense equipment for Ukraine.

This partnership aims to acquire hundreds of short- and medium-range air defense missiles and related systems.