Niagara Falls MP Tony Baldinelli and all his parliamentary colleagues have been banned from visiting Russia under a decree by President Vladimir Putin.
The Russian leader's announcement banning a total of 313 prominent Canadians came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was addressing Canada's Parliament on Tuesday.
The blanket ban has been met with derision by many observers who see it as a distraction from the invasion of Ukraine.
“I never had any plans of going to Russia, so this ban is more symbolic than practical,” Baldinelli said in a statement to The Lake Report.
“I continue to stand united with my fellow Canadian parliamentarians who have also been banned, and I stand united with the people of Ukraine,” he said.
“What Ukrainians want most is to be able to live in their home nation, free, sovereign and peaceful. This ban will not impact our position or continued resolve to support the people of Ukraine.”
The Conservative MP was in his seat in the House of Commons for Zelenskyy's emotional and moving speech.
“President Zelenskyy has shown incredible leadership during this time, standing up not only for the brave and determined people of Ukraine, but also for freedom, sovereignty, and democracy in the world,” Baldinelli said.
