Does the Leader of the Opposition support seizing the assets of Russian oligarchs?

Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf Islands)
2022-02-28 19:06

Mr. Speaker, would the hon. Leader of the Opposition and her party consider adding to the list of actions we should take? Looking across Canada, we see the assets in this country bought by Russian oligarchs, the millions of dollars in real estate. Could we move fast to seize those assets to send a message to Putin and his cronies?

Hon. Candice Bergen (Portage—Lisgar)
2022-02-28 19:07

Mr. Speaker, that is definitely something we could support. It is very disturbing to see Putin’s assets being protected and hidden. Money laundering is a big problem in Canada, not just with Russian oligarchs, but also with the Chinese.

This is a prime opportunity to deal with some of these major problems that we have seen occurring in the country. Canada should not be a safe haven for gangsters, thugs and dictators to protect their money. That has to stop. This is the best time and we are all in agreement. Let us get it done. Let us punish some of these dictators.