By Canadian Press

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says western countries more unified than ever

Mar 18, 2022 | 12:36 PM

TORONTO — Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says the Russian invasion of Ukraine has unified western nations like never before and strengthened NATO’s alliance. 

Speaking to a crowd at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs, Joly says “there’s nothing like having one villain” to unite against.

Joly reiterated that the federal government is willing to bring in unlimited numbers of Ukrainian refugees and officials are looking at possible airlifts from neighbouring European countries to bring people to Canada.

More than 3.5 million people have fled the country so far during the 23-day invasion. 

Asked about U.S. intelligence and Russian propaganda in recent days that has hinted at the possibility of a chemical or nuclear attack in Ukraine, Joly says she’s “very concerned” and that this war represents the biggest threat to world peace since the Second World War.

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The minister also says social media companies need to do more to prevent propaganda and disinformation, which she said has been a key feature of this conflict.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 18, 2022.

The Canadian Press