List Russia’s Wagner Group as a terrorist entity, House of Commons urges with motion
Global News
The motion, brought forward by NDP MP Heather McPherson, is non-binding -- but the unanimous approval of the request sends a signal to Moscow.
Canada’s House of Commons has unanimously adopted a motion calling on the government to add a Russian mercenary organization, the Wagner Group, to its list of designated terrorist entities.
The motion, brought forward by NDP MP Heather McPherson, is non-binding — but the unanimous adoption of the call raises questions about whether the firm meets the criteria laid out for inclusion.
“Given reports of human rights abuses and attacks on civilians in Ukraine and other parts of the world by the Russian-supported Wagner Group, the House call upon the government to immediately designate the Wagner Group as a terrorist entity,” McPherson’s motion read.
No member of Parliament objected to the motion, and it was adopted.
Wagner Group fighters have been accused by human rights groups and by the Ukrainian government of committing war crimes in Syria and eastern Ukraine from 2014 onward.
In July, British military intelligence said that Russia has used Wagner mercenaries to reinforce its frontline forces in the Ukraine conflict.
However, it is up to intelligence agencies to recommend which entities should land on Canada’s terrorist list — a process that is non-partisan by design.
Traditionally, terrorist group designations are only announced following a rigorous process. Intelligence agencies explore all available information to learn whether a specific group is engaging or aiding in terrorist activity.