Liberal MP decries 'political games' over criticism of Conservatives on Ukraine

One of the Liberals' point people on foreign policy says framing the Tories as soft on Ukraine isn't helping the country fend off Russia's invasion.

Toronto MP Rob Oliphant is parliamentary secretary to Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, a job that has him travel on her behalf to events at home and abroad.

Oliphant told a House of Commons committee Wednesday that he has no doubt the Conservatives support Ukraine and «political games» do nothing to help that country.

His comments come months after the Liberals began lambasting the Conservatives over their position on a bill to implement an updated Canada-Ukraine free trade deal, which became law this week.

The Tories said they disagree with language in the deal that says both countries will promote carbon pricing and repeatedly claimed it would impose a carbon tax on Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the updated agreement and his country already has a carbon price.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress also criticized the Tories for their position, and the Liberals launched attack ads about the vote in Prairie ridings with large Ukrainian diaspora populations held by Conservative MPs.

Despite his party accusing the Conservatives of «turning their backs on Ukraine,» Oliphant said he doesn't believe that's true.

«I believe Canadians' commitment (to Ukraine) is unwavering — and despite the political games we play, I believe the Opposition's commitment is unwavering,» he said.

«I may get in trouble for saying that, but I really believe that. And we only get ahead if we do that, and don't play games with this.»

Analysts have said repeatedly that Moscow is seeking to drive wedges between and within Western countries over their level of support for Ukraine.

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