Canadian sanctions on Russia | Quebec is embroiled in the European energy crisis

Julian Arsenal
Press

What is the situation?

Since last week, the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea to reach Germany, its capacity has dropped to 40% of normal levels. The reason? Russian state-run Gazprom said it would not be possible to reclaim the majestic turbine to allow compressors to increase the volume of natural gas in the 1,200-kilometer pipeline. The turbine is housed in the Siemens Energy Quebec facility in Doorwall, as its motor requires a facelift.

“For technical reasons, these turbines can only be repaired at Siemens facilities in Montreal,” the German giant confirmed in an email. Press. “These are aerodynamic gas turbines made in Canada. ⁇

Without these devices, volume reduction in the 1,200-kilometer pipeline would be inevitable, Gazprom said. Berlin, which imports 35% of its natural gas from Russia, sees this as a move to increase prices.

Why are you stuck here?

The Trudeau government did not give a specific explanation. Gazprom is on the Canadian list of companies targeted by Canadian sanctions, which have multiplied since the beginning of the armed conflict in Ukraine.

In addition, the type of turbine in question in goods and technologies that can not be exported to Russian territory. Although it is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that is responsible for the application Special Financial Actions ActAll questions were redirected to the office of Minister of Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson.

His spokesman, Keane Nembard, said talks were underway with Germany to “find a solution”.

“We do not stop imposing serious sanctions on the regime [de Vladimir] As long as Putin continues his unjust invasion, we will continue to support our European friends and allies in working to stabilize the energy markets, “he wrote in an email.

Is it right for Canada to act this way?

Mark Warner, a regulatory legal expert from Toronto’s Maw Law, wonders if Ottawa will go any further. In this case, the lawyer points out, the sanctions are intended to harm Russia, but they also have implications for Europeans – Canada’s allies.

“Why do we impose sanctions on a turbine used to transport natural gas from Russia to Germany when it does not affect us? Mr. Warner asked in a telephone interview.

In addition, the lawyer adds, there are no European sanctions on Russian natural gas. In his opinion, Ottawa should target individuals and companies doing business in the country. However, the Trudeau government has not commented much on the issue Press Last March.

Is rejection at hand?

We can find a solution, says Richard Oullet, an expert in international law and a professor at Laval University. The Special economic measures (Russia) regulations The minister said that could be changed through a council meeting. Parliament does not need to be reminded.

“I guess we can look into the question if the Canadian partner has major issues,” Mr. Ouellet believes. There is little political leeway, I believe. But under current regulations, the Siemens turbine cannot be taken out. ⁇

On the failure of the German multinational company to find another way to achieve its goals, Mr. Ouellet was also shocked. For example, Siemens Canada may have sent a turbine to Siemens in Germany, the expert explains. It may have happened after the delivery to the Russian giant.

“The turbine can be taken out in a thousand ways,” he explained. There is something unspoken somewhere. ⁇