"It's been a long couple weeks in parliament between the Emergencies Act and then the Russian invasion of Ukraine," said New Brunswick Southwest Minister of Parliament John Williamson on his first day back in Charlotte County. Although MP Williamson says he continues to work on local files for his riding, he understands why the focus of the whole world right now, including among his constituents, is concerned with the war in Ukraine.

"Putin has rolled in more than 100 000 troops to try to take over and occupy Ukraine, so it is a terrible situation and we can all see the devastation that is being brought down on on Ukraine. It is currently now the biggest number of refugees in Europe since the second world war. The loss of innocent life is terrible," said Williamson. "Canada is off to a good start working with with our European and American allies on tough sanctions, which are going to have real economic impact on Russia." 

Williamson said, ultimately, sanctions are effective but more aid is required to truly help Ukraine keep Russian forces at bay. "The Ukrainians are certainly putting up a ferocious fight, and I think they've surprised not only the Russians but the whole world with their determination, but it's going to take arms," said Williamson. "The prime minister committed both humanitarian and military aid and that is that's how the Russians are going to be beaten. It's not going to be through sanctions because it's a big country, and China is supporting Russia indirectly so it's going to come down to the battlefield."