The NDP stands with Ukraine

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This article was published 30/03/2022 (429 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Ukrainian community in Manitoba has deep roots. Early Ukrainian settlers and recent newcomers have helped shape the social, political, and cultural landscape of our province and the Maples community. I, along with my NDP colleagues, strongly condemn Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

This unthinkable act of aggression is doing untold harm to the people of Ukraine and Russia. The attack on Ukraine as a sovereign state is a direct threat to rules-based international order and a threat to democracies across the world. My colleagues and I have stood alongside Ukrainian people at the rallies and recently attended Ukrainian Night hosted by the Dauphin Kings. My message to Ukrainian Manitobans is clear — we stand with you in your fight to defend your identity, homeland, and loved ones.

Governments at every level must do everything they can to pursue peace and protect the Ukrainian people from Russia’s imperialist invasion and attack on democracy. As we pray for Ukraine and pray for peace, the NDP reiterates its commitment to support the resettlement of Ukrainians in Manitoba, where so many have found peace and prosperity over the decades. This is why the Manitoba NDP has been advocating for the protection of Ukraine and Ukrainians in the legislature.

We have been calling on the Progressive Conservative government to provide increased supports for local Ukrainian organizations in our province to help resettle those fleeing Ukraine, and to strike an all-party committee to direct Manitoba’s response to the Ukraine crisis. We put forward a resolution to condemn Russia’s violent invasion of Ukraine and support the federal government’s sanctions and efforts to help Ukraine maintain independence. The resolution received unanimous support from the entire assembly.

Since the beginning, we have been calling on Premier Stefanson to expedite the immigration process by increasing staffing levels at the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program and waiving the $500 application fee for province nominee applicants fleeing war in Ukraine. We are pleased that the government has acted on our calls and has committed to waiving the $500 application fee. However, more can and must be done to ensure the safety of all displaced communities affected by war.

I am glad to be back in the legislature and advocate for the constituents of The Maples. If you would like to contact me, my constituency office is located at 103-1730 Leila Ave. Call me at 204-417-3486, or email mintu.sandhu@yourmanitoba.ca

Mintu Sandhu
The Maples constituency report

Mintu Sandhu is the NDP MLA for The Maples.

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