Peace River MLAs on new list of Canadians sanctioned by Russia

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Both Peace River region MLAs are among 333 Canadians on Russia’s latest list of sanctioned individuals. 

The list released on Wednesday features provincial politicians from Ontario, Alberta, and B.C., a number of athletes such as Olympian Hayley Wickenheiser, and Governor General Mary Simon.

Peace River North MLA Dan Davies said the list was “pointless and useless.” 

“I’m not worried. I don’t care. It has no impact on me whatsoever,” Davies said. 

“Maybe Russia needs to sort out what they’re doing in their own country right now and not worry about everyone else.” 

Davies has been an advocate for assisting displaced Ukrainian refugees and hosted a community meeting on the matter in December 2022. 

Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier expressed similar sentiments to Davies. 

“It doesn’t affect me in any way,” Bernier said. 

“Maybe they should be focussing on the chaos in their own country.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry says the “black list” is meant to “encourage” those on the list to “change their behaviour.”

The ministry stated the behaviour in question as assisting in “the spread of rabid Russophobia in the country.” 

The ministry also stated the bans are a direct response to sanctions placed on Russian politicians, athletes, businesses, and other Russian officials.