Solidarity with Ukraine

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/03/2022 (440 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Ukrainian community in Manitoba has deep roots. Early members of the Ukrainian community helped shape the social, political, and cultural landscape of our great province. The community continues to play a pivotal role today. It’s heartbreaking to see the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine – the homeland of so many Manitoba families.

Families across the province all feel a sense of solidarity with the Ukrainian heroes who are bravely fighting back against Putin and his armies. The bravery of the men, women and civilians fighting on the street to protect their homeland has been inspiring.

Watching the invasion has forced us to ask what can be done to help its victims. That’s why last week I stood up in the legislature and demanded more be done to support Ukrainians, including those fleeing the country.

I called on the Stefanson government to dramatically increase its financial support for the Ukrainian Canadian Congress to help with their humanitarian relief programs. So far, it has only pledged $150,000, but we know that Manitobans want to give more. The Manitoba Métis Federation has already donated $100,000, even though it has a far smaller budget than the province. We also proposed that the province start a matching program — for every dollar that a Manitoban donates, the government will donate a dollar as well, up to $5 million.

I asked that the PC government bring in thousands of Ukrainians through the provincial nominee program — to do so, it needs to adequately staff the program so that applicants can arrive quickly. The PCs should also waive the $500 fee for nominees coming from Ukraine to Manitoba.

The Manitoba NDP caucus stands with the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian community in Manitoba and Canada. We will continue to push the government for more and action to help Ukrainian families.

Do you have a story of how your family has been impacted by the invasion, or what you’ve done to help the Ukrainian people? I want to hear from you. Call my office at 204-615-1922 or email me at wab.kinew@yourmanitoba.ca

Wab Kinew
Fort Rouge constituency report

Wab Kinew is the NDP MLA for Fort Rouge and leader of the Manitoba New Democratic Party.

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