OTTAWA –
The House of Commons has called on the Canadian government to list Russia-based mercenary company Wagner Group as a terrorist entity.
NDP MP Heather McPherson succeeded in seeking unanimous consent from MPs to urge Ottawa to make this designation in response to reported human rights abuses.
The Wagner Group is accused of luring Russians convicted of violent crimes out of prison for Moscow’s war in Ukraine, and executing at least one defector.
Groups such as the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace also credit the Wagner Group fighting on behalf of Russia in the Syrian civil war.
McPherson said the group had “committed unspeakable war crimes” and argued that the designation could deter other countries from using their services.
The petition does not require Ottawa to list the group, as that decision rests with the cabinet.
US military reports allege the Wagner Group has close ties to the Kremlin and interferes in elections in Africa on behalf of Moscow.
NDP just received unan. agreed to the petition: “Given reports of human rights abuses and attacks on civilians in Ukraine and elsewhere in the world by the Russia-backed Wagner Corporation, the House of Representatives calls on the government to immediately immediately designate the Wagner Corporation as a terrorist entity.”
– Rachel Aiello (@rachaiello) January 30, 2023
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on January 30, 2023.
