March 15, 2022. OTTAWA, ON. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered an historic address to Canada’s Parliament. As the Ukrainian people heroically defend themselves from a full-out Russian invasion, President Zelenskyy called on Canada and allies to strengthen support for Ukraine and enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy stated, “Can you imagine when you call your friends, a nation, and you ask, ‘Please close the skies. Close the airspace. Please stop the bombing. ‘How many more of those missiles have to fall on our cities until you make this happen?”
To view President Zelenskyy’s address in full please click below:
“President Zelenskyy delivered a moving appeal on behalf of more than 40 million Ukrainians who are fighting valiantly, defending their freedom from Russia’s genocidal war,” stated Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the UCC. “The UCC and the Ukrainian Canadian community join President Zelenskyy in strongly urging Canada and NATO allies to enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine to prevent Russia’s savage attacks on civilians.”
Also delivering remarks were Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Senate Speaker George Furey, House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota, interim Conservative leader Candice Bergen, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Green Party parliamentary leader Elizabeth May.
Before President Zelenskyy’s speech to Parliament, a UCC delegation led by President Chyczij met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. The UCC delegation briefed Prime Minister Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Freeland on the steps Canada should take immediately to assist Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.
“While Canada and allies must redouble support for Ukraine’s defence, we must also focus on addressing the horrific humanitarian crisis caused by Russia’s vicious attacks,” stated Chyczij. “We are grateful to Prime Minister Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Freeland for meeting with us to hear the concerns and recommendations of the Ukrainian community in Canada.”
The delegation called on Canada to:
- Work with allies to immediately implement a no-fly zone over Ukraine or provide Ukraine the aircraft and anti-air systems to secure Ukrainian airspace;
- Develop and implement supports for Ukrainians who have been forced to leave Ukraine and are in the European Union;
- Urgently institute a refugee program for Ukrainian citizens; develop and provide federal supports to Ukrainians who come to Canada on the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel and accept extended family members on the Family Reunification Program.
The brief the UCC delegation presented to PM Trudeau is available here
