@computergeek541 wrote:
I'm uncertain that Public Mobile has the ability to program a specific calling distination as zero-rated ...
It wouldn't be a hard barrier built into the system. It would be a money barrier. If a Public Mobile executive (or a directive from Telus) decided to allow free calling to somewhere then it would happen.
Foreign networks are businesses just like Canadian networks, their calling minutes have to be purchased. So somebody pays. Free calls for subscribers means their providers have chosen to pay - or that their providers are obligated to pay (because the "free" calls are included in the plan price).
Public Mobile is a third-tier provider. The one with the lowest costs, fewest options, maximum value, and minimum frill. I doubt they'll suddenly implement Ukraine calling within their International list - indeed, the sudden and ongoing crisis (which includes repeated attacks on communications networks) in Ukraine would probably make across-the-border business arrangements problematic.
Maybe PM will add Ukraine to the list, one day. But it's not going to happen before Russian military occupation in that country is ended.
