By Nirmala Menon
OTTAWA--Canada on Friday imposed a new round of sanctions on
Russia, including restrictions on exports of energy technology, as
part of its effort to put pressure on President Vladimir Putin for
Moscow's involvement in a continuing conflict in neighboring
Ukraine.
Ottawa and its Western allies, including the U.S. and the
European Union, have already imposed several rounds of sanctions on
Russia. Prime Minister Stephen Harper declared in a statement that
the sanctions "are putting real economic pressure on Russia to
cease militarism in Ukrainian territory."
"Canada will not accept the illegal occupation of Crimea and
persistent, provocative military activity in eastern Ukraine," Mr.
Harper said, warning that his country stands ready to take further
measures together with allies and partners if required.
The latest move by the Canadian government includes new export
restrictions on technologies used in Russia's oil exploration and
extractive sector, such as iron or steel pipes used in pipelines,
rock-drilling tools, drilling derricks, and production
platforms.
Ottawa is also further defining existing debt and equity
financing prohibitions. In addition, it is imposing "economic
sanctions" and travel bans against 20 more people, either Russians
or Ukrainians connected to the Russian-backed separatist
movement.
Write to Nirmala Menon at nirmala.menon@wsj.com