Russian products pulled from SLGA shelves

The provincial government is heading to the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority’s shelves to show its disapproval of what Russia is doing in Ukraine.

On Monday, the government confirmed it was pulling Russian products from its distribution centre and from store shelves, effective immediately. It was also encouraging private liquor stores in the province to do the same.

The government previously had said it only had one Russian product in stock at its distribution centre.

It’s just one of the steps the Saskatchewan government has taken in response to the Russian attack on Ukraine.

The province also has donated $100,000 to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, provided administrative support to the Saskatchewan-Ukraine Relations Advisory Committee, waived long distance and text message charges from Canada to Ukraine for SaskTel customers and roaming charges for those in Ukraine, and raised Ukraine’s flag outside the Legislative Building.

The government also is prioritizing applications from Ukraine for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program and has told the federal government Saskatchewan is ready and willing to accept refugees.

“Russia should be met with severe and immediate trade sanctions and the Government of Saskatchewan supports the sanctions imposed by the federal government and other nations across the world,” the government said in a media release. “The government also continues to call for the immediate end to the importation of Russian oil and natural gas.”

Later Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada would immediately stop importing crude oil from Russia.

Donations in support of humanitarian efforts can be made to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress or through the Canadian Red Cross. The Government of Canada will match donations made between Thursday and March 18 to a maximum of $10 million.