About four dozen Canadian soldiers are leaving for Poland to take part next week in American-led military exercises.

Prime Minister Harper says they’ll be part of NATO reassurance measures in response to the crisis in Ukraine.

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird says Canada’s actions are meant to send a ”very loud, clear and tangible message” to the Russians.

Meanwhile, over 40 have reportedly died in the Ukrainian city of Odessa.

Most were caught in a building set on fire after pro-Russian demonstrators and supporters of the central government in Kiev fought across the southern port city.

Until now, the unrest has been in the eastern part of the country.