Senior officials from troubled Ukraine to be barred from Canada: minister

OTTAWA – Immigration Minister Chris Alexander says Canada will bar senior Ukrainian officials from entering Canada as a response to the continuing crackdown on protests in that country.

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said it’s a symbolic effort, but sends a disapproving message to the government in Ukraine.

Baird says tougher measures could come if the Ukrainian government fails to respond to popular demands for freedom and democracy.

He’s warning against a return to old, Soviet-style repression.

Both ministers say Canada stands in solidarity with the protesters who have taken to the streets for weeks.

There have been some encouraging moves in Ukraine, including the resignation of the prime minister and the repeal of anti-protest laws that sparked off violent clashes between protesters and police.