Canadian MPs want closer look at turbine exemption
Members of Canada’s standing committee on foreign affairs and international development said July 15 they will take a closer look this summer at the special sanctions exemptions issued by the federal government allowing the return of turbines to Russia’s Gazprom.
One turbine has already been repaired by Siemens Energy at its Montreal facility, and up to five more are due to be sent to Canada as part of Gazprom’s regular maintenance programme on the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. That pipeline is now shut, and it’s unclear whether the repaired turbine has been returned to Germany, from where it would be forwarded to Gazprom.
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During an emergency virtual debate this morning (July 15), committee members from all parties agreed to launch a special summer probe into “the government’s decision to circumvent Canadian sanctions to allow the export of Gazprom turbines.”
Hearings are to begin next week, with natural resources minister Jonathan Wilkinson and foreign affairs minister Melanie Joly first on the list to testify no later than July 22. MPs also want to hear from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Ukraine’s ambassador to Canada Yulia Kovaliv, and ambassadors from Germany and the EU. Others may be invited if MPs decide more than the initial five hearing sessions are required.