N.W.T. premier says gov't will match Ukraine donations to Canadian Red Cross

The Northwest Territories government will match donations residents make to the Canadian Red Cross to support humanitarian efforts to Ukraine. 

Premier Caroline Cochrane made the announcement in the legislature Friday. 

"The Northwest Territories stands with Ukraine," she said. "The images coming out of Eastern European nation are horrifying."

Cochrane noted that Canada has a long history of immigration from Ukraine, comprising some 1.3 million people of Ukrainian descent, including more than 1,000 in the N.W.T. 

"My thoughts are with you during this difficult time," she said. 

Cochrane said she supports Canada's application of sanctions, announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday. 

"I will also be inviting further conversations with Canada to consider the needs of our Arctic in response to Russia," Cochrane said, without offering further detail.  

The Red Cross has launched a campaign to raise funds to respond to the conflict. 

Money raised will support "immediate and ongoing relief efforts, long-term recovery, resilience, and other critical humanitarian activities."

The territory will match donations up to a total of $50,000.