11.45°C Vancouver

Jun 14, 2024 1:47 PM - The Canadian Press

Defence Minister Bill Blair says more help coming for Ukraine, Latvia

Share On
defence-minister-bill-blair-says-more-help-coming-for-ukraine-latvia
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Blair says that the Canadian government is donating 900 drones built in Canada to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Canada's minister of defence says the federal government is committed to supporting Ukraine.

Bill Blair is meeting with members of NATO in the Belgian capital of Brussels.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, Blair says that the Canadian government is donating 900 drones built in Canada to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities.

Additionally, Blair says in close co-ordination with allies, a Canadian-led battlegroup in Latvia is being scaled up to brigade size.

Blair's latest announcement on Friday comes as NATO member nations continue to work to meet the group's agreed-upon target of spending two percent of GDP on their respective militaries.

According to NATO data, Canada was estimated to be spending 1.33 percent of its GDP on its military budget.

Latest news

CanadaNov 13, 2026

Canada Raises Luxury Tax Threshold to $150,000 for Electric and Hydrogen Vehicles

Buying fully electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles in Canada could become more affordable after the federal government raised the luxury tax price threshold for these vehicles from $100,000 to $150,000. According to an announcement by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, the change came into effect on Friday. This means fully electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles priced up to $150,000 will no longer be subject to the additional luxury tax. The government said the decision takes into account the higher upfront cost of zero-emission vehicles and aims to encourage their adoption. Howe
canada-and-india-push-to-finalize-free-trade-agreement-by-year-end
CanadaNov 13, 2026

Maninder Sidhu Meets Piyush Goyal to Advance Canada-India Free Trade Deal

Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Singh Sidhu, met with India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, in New Delhi on Thursday to advance efforts to finalize a Canada-India free trade agreement by the end of this year. The sixth round of negotiations for the proposed agreement is currently underway in New Delhi, with officials from both countries scheduled to hold discussions until November 20. Since May 2025, Minister Sidhu and Piyush Goyal have held more than a dozen meetings. The latest push in trade negotiations comes ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra
man-shot-dead-inside-home-in-surreys-central-area
BCNov 13, 2026

Man Shot Dead Inside Home in Surrey's Central Area

A man has been shot and killed inside a home in Surrey's Central area. The incident occurred Thursday morning in the 10600-block of 132 Street. According to the Surrey Police Service (SPS), officers and BC Emergency Health Services were called to the residence at approximately 7:16 a.m. after receiving reports of a person suffering from gunshot wounds. First responders made every effort to save the victim, but he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken over the investigation. No details about the victim's identity or any potential sus
carney-reaffirms-canadas-commitment-to-protecting-ukraines-sovereignty
CanadaNov 13, 2026

Carney Reaffirms Canada's Commitment to Protecting Ukraine's Sovereignty

Prime Minister Mark Carney held key meetings with European leaders in Dublin, Ireland, on Thursday during the European Political Community summit, focusing on strengthening security and trade relations. Canada was the only non-European country participating in the summit for the second time. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also briefed Carney and other European leaders on the latest developments in ongoing peace talks with Russia. During the discussions, Carney reaffirmed Canada's full commitment to protecting Ukraine's sovereignty. The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of
CanadaNov 13, 2026

Canada Threatens Legal Action Against Stellantis Over Funding Agreement

Canada’s federal government is threatening legal action against automaker Stellantis over an alleged breach of its funding agreement, warning that it could seek to recover hundreds of millions of dollars provided to the company. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said the government would take Stellantis to court if it fails to meet its contractual obligations. The dispute escalated after Stellantis reached an agreement to sell its Brampton assembly plant to defence-sector company Roshel, raising concerns that more than 2,000 auto workers may lose their opportunity to return to work. On Thursda

Related News