Approximately 700 days have passed since the giant Russian-registered cargo plane was ordered to be parked. Toronto Pearson International Airport After the invasion of Ukraine, a deadline for removal has not yet been set.
Since arriving on February 27, 2022, it has been parked near Terminal 1 at the northeast end of Toronto Pearson. The plane can be seen from Highway 427, and because it was parked at the airport for an extended period of time, it can also be seen on satellite images on Google Maps.
White and blue Antonov 124 airplane owned by Volga-Dnepr Airlines I landed at the airport to deliver my luggage for the coronavirus test.. Hours after the plane’s arrival, Canada’s then Minister of Transport announced that the airspace would be closed to all Russian aircraft.
In April, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal visited Canada. After the visit, he took to social media to address Canada’s latest sanctions (announced on April 11) against companies linked to Russia’s aviation sector.
Volga-Dnepr Group and Volga-Dnepr Airlines, the owner of stranded Antonov Flight 124, were also subject to sanctions. Shmyhal said preparations were underway to seize the cargo plane and it could be transferred to aid Ukraine.
Two months later, the Canadian government moved to take over the aircraft under new legislation included in the 2022 federal budget.
“The seizure of this significant asset is the first step in the Government of Canada’s action under the asset seizure and forfeiture regime, which burdens Russia’s economic system and restricts its fuel resources, resulting in unlawful actions against Ukraine. “It’s a war aimed at putting further pressure on Russia to stop the war,” Foreign Minister said. Melanie Joly said in a statement: at that time.
The plane has not been moved since the June 10 seizure, and there is little information about the seizure process. CityNews reached out to multiple organizations over several days to try to get the latest information.
A spokesperson for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) previously told City News that the plane was being charged an “inactive apron fee” because it was parked on the edge of the airport grounds. Under GTAA regulations, Class F aircraft cost $0.77 per minute, or $1,108.80 for 24 hours.
Asked if there was an update on the rates being charged, another spokesperson said Thursday: “We cannot disclose information about our carriers.”
As of January 12, based on the fee structure described above, the fee would be more than $758,400.
CityNews asked how ongoing storage is impacting operations. In the same statement, the spokesperson added: “GTAA has previously stated that the aircraft occupies tarmac space needed to park other aircraft between flights.”
Global Affairs Canada staff said in an initial statement Wednesday that the June move was a first step.
“Canadian asset attachment and forfeiture authorities are subject to requests for administrative review by persons whose property is the subject of a seizure or injunction, or by persons who may have third-party rights or interests in the property. “The order includes a number of procedural safeguards, including the ability to do so,” the statement said.
“Further steps will be taken towards possible confiscation as appropriate, in accordance with the fairness of the law and procedure. The forfeited proceeds will be used to compensate victims, rebuild affected countries, and restore international peace and security.” It may be used for.”
In a follow-up request, City News asked Global Affairs Canada about the remaining steps, whether a request for administrative review had been made and how long the process would take. However, what happens after that is unclear.
“Once seized or detained, the Minister may apply to the local court in which the property is located for an order for the property to be permanently forfeited to the Crown.Given the nature of these processes, it is difficult to estimate the timeline. “No,” the answer states.
“Given the nature of these processes, the government cannot reveal what actions have or have not been taken. The law does not specify a deadline. .”
CityNews contacted the Volga-Dnepr Oblast to inquire about this matter, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
In an ongoing process, another federal department, Public Service Procurement and Procurement Canada (PSPC), is responsible for overseeing and managing the seized assets. CityNews asked Toronto Pearson International Airport if the payment had been made.
“PSPC has been in negotiations with multiple stakeholders, including the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, regarding management of the plane. These negotiations have not yet been finalized,” a statement Friday afternoon said.
Meanwhile, NDP foreign affairs critic and Edmonton MP Heather McPherson said she supports the principle of seizing aircraft to support Ukraine. He called on the federal government to take further action and increase transparency.
“As Canadians, we have not been given the information we need to know whether our government is doing its job properly regarding sanctions. So we will continue to seek that clarity and provide that information.” We ask that you do so,” McPherson told CityNews on Friday.
“It feels like another example of using Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine, with first the words and strong language about seizing assets…but then no action.” . It doesn’t suit me. ”
