On Monday, October 21, during UCC Advocacy Day, representatives from the Ukrainian Canadian community engaged with over 50 members of the Canadian Parliament and Senators. The discussions focused on advocating for increased military and economic support for Ukraine, a tougher response to Russia’s genocidal war, and continued assistance for Ukrainian displaced persons.
The Ukrainian Students’ Canadian Union (SUSK) proudly sent a delegation of 9 members, comprising 4 from the executive team and 5 from student clubs. Out of the 52 MPs, senators, and ministers present, our delegates engaged with 35, showcasing a significant presence across all four political parties. Delegations met with key figures, including the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, and the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, as well as various Cabinet Ministers, Shadow Ministers, and members from the Bloc Québécois and New Democratic Party.
During the meetings, MPs were urged to support three main policy recommendations:
- Provide Ukraine with More Assistance: Canada needs to enhance military support, including weapons, winterization aid, and financial assistance.
- Get Tougher on Russia: Canada should designate Russia as a terrorist state, expel its diplomats, and enforce a ban on Russian state media in Canada.
- Support Ukrainian Displaced Persons: Approximately 300,000 Ukrainians displaced by the war are in Canada on emergency visas and require ongoing support and the ability to work.
Additionally, we attended a briefing at the Embassy of Ukraine, where delegates had the honor of speaking with Ukraine’s Ambassador to Canada, Yuliya Kovaliv.
For further insights and reflections on this impactful day, please refer to the testimonials provided by the delegates.
What Our Delegates Are Saying
SUSK PRESIDENT
Katrina Korotky
As President of SUSK, I had the honor of attending Advocacy Day on Parliament Hill with UCC.
The experience was extraordinary, allowing me to engage with several influential political figures, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, MPs Hon. Karina Gould, Anthony Housefather, Ivan Baker, Hon. Minister Sajjan, and Senator Kutcher. Our discussions centered on three critical points:
increasing military aid to Ukraine, intensifying sanctions on Russia, and enhancing support for Ukrainian newcomers to Canada. Each politician shared their contributions and future initiatives to strengthen Canada-Ukraine relations. Meeting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was a noteworthy moment, while MP Freeland highlighted her legislative efforts for financial aid and alliance-building between Ukraine and other communities. Minister Gould discussed the leadership needed to combat cyber misinformation, offering valuable insights into how each politician’s community work supports Ukrainian aid.
Engaging with these parliamentarians was instrumental in understanding their perspectives on the war in Ukraine and their ongoing contributions to the war effort. While many expressed alignment with supporting Ukraine, it was essential to remind them that Ukraine’s fight ensures Canada’s security. Investing in Ukraine is, indeed, an investment in Canada’s future.In conclusion, these discussions underscored Canadian leaders’ commitment to Ukraine and the importance of sustained advocacy.
Strengthening our military and humanitarian ties is crucial for the future of both countries. Our collective efforts are essential in Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
VP FINANCE
Sophia Gryshchenko
I met with MPs from across the political spectrum during Advocacy Day, including MP Champoux, MP Bérubé (Bloc Québécois), MP Powlowski, MP Shanahan (Liberal), and MP Brassard, MP Berthold (Conservative).
We discussed supporting Ukraine with more aid, getting tougher on Russia, and helping displaced Ukrainians in Canada.
It was also important to engage with Quebec representatives, not just because of security concerns due to Quebec’s proximity to the Arctic and Russia, but also because many Ukrainians in Canada speak French and understand the value of maintaining the French language.
These conversations highlighted the importance of a united, bilingual approach in our advocacy.
VP NATIONAL
Chloe Smith
During advocacy day I was able to speak with liberal ministers Randy Boissonnault, Dr. Helena Jaczek and Mary Ng. As well as MP Blake Desjarlais from the NDP.
I was able to very constructive conversations with all four members. They came prepared with their own knowledge of what was going on both in Ukraine and in Canada.
With our three main objectives they all shared some knowledge, whether they
knew about the current need for humanitarian and military help in Ukraine, through items and funds, or how we can better fight disinformation and propaganda in Canada, or the point the ministers seemed to be most knowledgable in, what displaced Ukrainian’s need in Canada. Part of our points included the 70 russian diplomats we have in Canada, none of the members we spoke with really knew about or understood this point before we spoke.
It was nice to speak with MP Blake Desjarlais and Minister Boissonnault as they work within my area of Edmonton. With Dr. Helena Jaczek and Mary Ng they have both recently traveled to Ukraine, so we were able to hear how their perspective has changed with their trip.
INCLUSION & DIVERSITY OFFICER
Taissa Martschenko
During advocacy day I had the opportunity to meet with Conservative MPs: MP Redekopp, MP Aboultaif, and MP Kusie, as well as Liberal MPs: MP McKay and MP Koutrakis.
The participation of all four political parties was both significant and essential. Advocacy Day served as a critical platform for united voices advocating for Ukraine, where we discussed increasing aid, implementing tougher measures against Russia, and addressing the needs of displaced Ukrainians in Canada.
These discussions are vital, as they help generate a comprehensive understanding of how we can collectively strengthen our support for Ukraine.
By collaborating across party lines, we demonstrate our shared commitment to standing with Ukraine during these challenging times, reinforcing the message that solidarity transcends political differences. Together, we can forge a path that not only aids Ukraine in its struggle but also supports those who have sought refuge within our borders.
