Government must do more for Ukraine
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This article was published 20/04/2022 (408 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
We are now two months into the ever-challenging and evolving crisis in Ukraine, where Russia is committing war crimes against Ukrainian civilians. Here in Manitoba, we have a multi-generational and vibrant Ukrainian community. My family and I are proud members of the Ukrainian community in our province, and I recognize how difficult this period is for those who have loved ones in Ukraine. Unfortunately, despite the fact that so many Ukrainians call Manitoba home, the Progressive Conservative government continues to fall disappointingly short in the support they have provided to Ukrainians.
The federal government and other provincial jurisdictions have taken actions that far exceed the PC Government’s. It was recently announced that the federal government had pledged $100 million in aid to help the humanitarian crisis that has emerged as a result of this illegal invasion. At the provincial level, Alberta has committed $11 million while Newfoundland has opened an office in Poland to help Ukrainian refugees relocate in that province. To date Manitoba has committed just $800,000.
In true Manitoba fashion, many folks in a variety of communities have stepped up in this government’s absence. I have been to countless fundraisers around Winnipeg, but also in Brandon, Gimli and Dauphin. There has been no better example of the generous spirit of Manitobans then by seeing folks giving what they can to support their community members, friends and loved ones impacted by this ongoing tragedy. To all those who have donated money, time, or support to the efforts to end the war in Ukraine, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
It is not too late for the PC government to take more meaningful action to support Ukrainians in Manitoba and abroad. It is critical that financial aid be provided and significant investments be made to help Ukrainians resettle in Manitoba. The PC government could also engage with the business community to match skills to job opportunities or use an all-party committee to work collaboratively on ideas to resettle Ukrainian refugees in Manitoba and across Canada. I will continue to urge this government to take more urgent action to support our Ukrainian community and to support the safe resettlement of all those impacted by wars as they take refuge here in Manitoba.
If you have any concerns or questions, on this issue or any other please do not hesitate to contact my office. I can be reached by email at mark.wasyliw@yourmanitoba.ca or by phone at 204-421-4241.
Mark Wasyliw
Fort Garry constituency report
Mark Wasyliw is the NDP MLA for Fort Garry.