20.58°C Vancouver
connect fm logo

Oct 18, 2024 5:31 PM - Connect Newsroom - Jasmine Singh with files from The Canadian Press

Defence minister announces nearly $65 million in aid to Ukraine

Share On
defence-minister-announces-nearly-65-million-in-aid-to-ukraine
The funds come from $500 million promised by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the NATO summit in July. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

Defence Minister Bill Blair announced that Canada will send $64.8 million in additional military assistance to Ukraine, reaffirming the country’s continued commitment to supporting Kyiv in its defence against Russia’s invasion.

Speaking at a NATO defence ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Blair said Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia remains one of the alliance’s top priorities. The new package will provide more than $50 million in weapons, ammunition, and military drones, along with uniforms and protective gear for Ukrainian soldiers.

The remaining funds will support training programs for Ukrainian troops and help strengthen the country’s cyber defence capabilities. Blair said the assistance is part of the $500 million pledge made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the NATO summit in July.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Canada has provided more than $19.5 billion in overall support to Ukraine, including military, humanitarian, and financial aid.

The announcement follows renewed discussions among NATO members about long-term defence cooperation and cyber security strategies to counter Russian aggression.

Communities across Canada, including in Surrey, Edmonton, and Winnipeg, home to large Ukrainian-Canadian populations, have held ongoing drives to raise funds and send supplies in solidarity with those affected by the conflict.

Latest news

See All
ottawa-approves-gradual-increase-in-direct-passenger-cargo-flights-with-china
CanadaApr 20, 2026

Ottawa approves gradual increase in direct passenger, cargo flights with China

The federal government says it will allow a gradual increase in direct air travel between Canada and China, expanding both passenger and cargo flight capacity after years of reduced service. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said the change will permit Canadian and Chinese airlines to increase direct passenger flights and operate up to 20 cargo flights per week, with reciprocal access to destinations in both countries. The announcement follows outreach by Prime Minister Mark Carney during a visit to Beijing in January. According to a federal statement, the adjustment is intended to support t
alberta-government-meets-grocers-on-food-prices-as-affordability-concerns-grow
AlbertaApr 20, 2026

Alberta government meets grocers on food prices as affordability concerns grow

The Alberta government says it is meeting with major grocery retailers as part of an effort to address rising food costs, according to a statement from Service Alberta. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said food prices have increased across Canada and globally, and the province is engaging with grocery operators to explore ways to reduce costs for Albertans. The statement did not outline specific measures under consideration or a timeline for potential changes. Premier Danielle Smith also addressed the issue during her provincewide radio show on Saturday, saying many residents are frustrate
canadian-armed-forces-exceed-recruitment-targets-for-second-straight-year-defence-minister-says
CanadaApr 20, 2026

Canadian Armed Forces exceed recruitment targets for second straight year, defence minister says

Canada’s military has surpassed its annual recruitment targets for a second consecutive year, according to Defence Minister David McGuinty, signalling renewed interest among younger Canadians in joining the armed forces. McGuinty said more than 7,300 people enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces over the past year. According to the Department of National Defence, the recruitment goal for 2025–26 was 6,957 new members, which has now been exceeded. The previous year also saw higher-than-expected intake, with 6,706 recruits joining against a target of 6,496. The federal government attributes t
IndiaApr 20, 2026

Bus crash in Indian-administered Kashmir kills 21, dozens injured

At least 21 people were killed and about 45 others injured after a passenger bus veered off a mountainous highway and plunged down a steep slope in Indian-administered Kashmir on Monday, according to local authorities. Civil administrator Prem Singh said the 42-seat bus was carrying more than 60 passengers from Ramnagar to Udhampur when it collided with an auto-rickshaw at a sharp curve. The impact caused the bus to lose control and fall approximately 30 metres onto a lower road. Officials said 19 people died at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries after being transported to
7-4-magnitude-earthquake-off-northern-japan-prompts-tsunami-alert
WorldApr 20, 2026

7.4-magnitude earthquake off northern Japan prompts tsunami alert

A powerful offshore earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.4 struck near Japan’s northern coast on Monday afternoon, prompting a tsunami alert for parts of the region. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the quake occurred at approximately 4:53 p.m. local time off the Sanriku coast, at a depth of about 10 kilometres beneath the seabed. Authorities issued a tsunami alert shortly after the tremor, warning of potentially hazardous sea-level changes along affected coastal areas. Public broadcaster NHK reported that waves of up to three metres could reach parts of the northeastern

Related News

Ottawa approves gradual increase in direct passenger, cargo flights with China

Ottawa approves gradual increase in direct passenger, cargo flights with China

The federal government says it will allow a gradual increase in direct air travel between Canada and China, expanding both passenger and cargo flight capacity after years of reduced service. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said the change will permit Canadian and Chinese airlines to increase direct passenger flights and operate up to 20 cargo flights per week, with reciprocal access to destinations in both countries. The announcement follows outreach by Prime Minister Mark Carney during a visit to Beijing in January. According to a federal statement, the adjustment is intended to support t
Canadian Armed Forces exceed recruitment targets for second straight year, defence minister says

Canadian Armed Forces exceed recruitment targets for second straight year, defence minister says

Canada’s military has surpassed its annual recruitment targets for a second consecutive year, according to Defence Minister David McGuinty, signalling renewed interest among younger Canadians in joining the armed forces. McGuinty said more than 7,300 people enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces over the past year. According to the Department of National Defence, the recruitment goal for 2025–26 was 6,957 new members, which has now been exceeded. The previous year also saw higher-than-expected intake, with 6,706 recruits joining against a target of 6,496. The federal government attributes t
Canada inflation rises to 2.4% in March, driven by gasoline prices

Canada inflation rises to 2.4% in March, driven by gasoline prices

Canada’s annual inflation rate increased to 2.4 per cent in March, up from 1.8 per cent in February, according to a report released Monday by Statistics Canada. The agency said this marks the highest level recorded since December of last year. According to Statistics Canada, the increase was largely driven by a sharp rise in gasoline prices. The report links the surge to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, which have affected global oil markets. Gasoline prices rose 21.2 per cent on a monthly basis in March, representing one of the largest increases on record, the agency
connect fm logo

Legals

Privacy policy
Journalism code of ethics
© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.
MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

About
Advertisers
Careers
Contact
Feedback
Accessibility Plan
BC Children's Hospital
Android app linkApple app link