Protester disrupts Canadian defence minister’s occasion By Reuters

By Chris Gallagher

(Reuters) – Canadian Defence Minister Anita Anand’s look at a democracy discussion board on Friday was disrupted by a protester who stood earlier than the stage holding a “STOP THE WAR” signal, prompting Anand to take a break in the course of the programme when the protester refused to go away.

Anand was talking about Canada’s help for Ukraine towards the Russian invasion at Toronto Metropolitan College when the protester, a lady sporting a winter cap and glasses, displayed the signal addressed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Anand and different Canadian ministers.

“STOP LYING. STOP SENDING WEAPONS. STOP NATO,” learn the signal. “PEACE IN UKRAINE.”

“Can I see your signal please?” Anand requested the protester.

“Thanks for sharing that with me and I need to say that the help that we now have despatched to Ukraine is support that’s in help of democracy, and sovereignty and rules-based worldwide order – that very same order that has saved you, everybody on this room, and our nation, secure for the reason that finish of the Second World Battle,” Anand mentioned.

The protester, nevertheless, refused to go away and occasion host Martin Regg Cohn, a Toronto Star columnist, warned that she was getting to shut to the minister’s private area.

“I’ll take a break, Martin. Thanks a lot,” mentioned a clearly uncomfortably Anand earlier than she walked off the stage.

The defence minister, who introduced a brand new army support package deal for Ukraine earlier this month, retook the stage about 10 minutes later.

Canada has donated or dedicated about C$600 million in army gear since Russia started its invasion on Feb. 24.

“Thanks for coming again,” Cohn mentioned.

“No downside. That is democracy,” Anand replied.