View From the Legislature

On Saturday the Manitoba Legislature grounds were a sea of blue and yellow as thousands of Manitobans came together wearing and flying the colours of Ukraine to condemn the invasion of that country by the Russian President. The rally coincided with others that were happening across Canada and around the world.

Manitoba has one of the largest populations of people with Ukrainian heritage in Canada. In our southeast communities, Ukrainian roots run deep and are seen and heard in the names, landmarks and language of the region. So naturally the invasion of the sovereign country of Ukraine was both shocking and heartbreaking for so many locally. Yet, the grounds of the Legislature were filled with many Manitobans who have no ancestorial connection to Ukraine. But they came because of the bonds that they have formed with Ukrainians or simply to express their concern for this unprovoked act of aggression by the President of Russia.

Organized by the Canadian Ukraine Congress, all political parties from every level were represented at the event with speeches given by the Mayor of Winnipeg, the Premier of Manitoba and the senior federal Member of Parliament for Manitoba. All were united in their support for peace in Ukraine and against the war by the Russian President.

Manitoba announced at the rally that it would be working with the federal government to welcome Ukrainians to Manitoba through the provincial nominee program as well as pledging $150,000 in the humanitarian relief effort. Canada also has initiated a matching program through the Red Cross for Canadians wishing to donate to the humanitarian effort as they and other organizations look to mobilize support. This is in addition to the series of economic and other sanctions that Canada and many countries in the world are levelling against Russia.

During my time in elected office, I have been honoured to be able to make connections with the Ukrainian community in Manitoba and around the world. Through several engagements with the Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada, I was honoured as the then Education Minister to announce a Manitoba school in Ukraine that offers the Manitoba curriculum to students in that country. On Wednesday at the Manitoba Legislature, I moved a motion to set aside all other business and to debate the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, something that was again supported by all political parties.

Today around the world, citizens in all countries, including many in Russia itself, are demonstrating against the invasion of Ukraine and calling on the war to end and for the country of Ukraine to be able to exist in freedom and peace. Manitoba and Manitobans will continue to stand united with Ukraine as their President and their people are standing strong in resistance to the attacks that their cities and villages are suffering.