Trudeau announces more Russian sanctions, supports for Ukraine at Winnipeg congress

Darren Bernhardt, CBC News.

A solemn tone greeted delegates to the first nationwide gathering of Ukrainian Canadians in three years, with the last such meeting happening well before cities in Ukraine came under attack by Russian soldiers and bombs.

“It has never been more important that we come together as leaders, as Canadians and as Ukrainian Canadians,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday morning at a Ukrainian Canadian Congress gathering in Winnipeg.

Following prayers and a moment of silence to begin the conference, Trudeau delivered the opening address to nearly 400 delegates at the 27th Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians.

“Nine months ago this week, Russia launched a brutal and bloody invasion of a sovereign, democratic nation,” he said.

“They violated the post-World War II order and stability that has, for decades, upheld our peace and allowed so many people to prosper. They have murdered innocent civilians. All of you here know this better than anyone.”

Horrible images that flash on TV screens and social media feeds feature places Ukrainian Canadians know all too well, Trudeau said.

“Today, all Canadians are learning the names of these towns and cities for all the worst reasons.”

Friday marks the 247th day of the war. More than 105,000 Ukrainian nationals have fled to Canada under special immigration programs, with approximately 12,000 coming to Manitoba.

The moment the war started is as sharp as ever in the memory of Alexandra Chyczij, national president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

On the evening of Feb. 23, the UCC's board of directors had just concluded a Zoom meeting with Trudeau when everyone's phones lit up.

“Bombs were dropping in Kyiv,” she said, then paused.

“Since then, Canada and our allies have been standing with Ukraine [and] because of that support, and the bravery and valour of the Ukrainian people … Ukraine still stands.”

Read more: cbc.ca

Share on Social Media