The following statement was issued by Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC):
This morning, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress learned that the Government of Canada will permit entry into Canada of professional hockey player and known Putin supporter Alexander Ovechkin in order that he play in today’s Washington Capitals-Toronto Maple Leafs game in Toronto.
The Government of Canada is under no obligation to allow Ovechkin, who continues to support Putin as “his president” even as Russia commits genocide against the Ukrainian people, to enter Canada. Allowing Ovechkin to enter our country is a choice that our Government is making.
The Criminal Code of Canada prohibits advocating or promoting genocide. By openly continuing to support Vladimir Putin, who is leading a genocidal war against Ukrainians – which genocide has been recognized by the Parliament of Canada – Alexander Ovechkin is advocating and promoting genocide.
When the Washington Capitals played in Edmonton last spring, there were two unprovoked assaults committed by Russian individuals against Ukrainian Canadians. The UCC renews its call to the Government of Canada to establish a national task force to address the increasing incidents of hate perpetrated against the Ukrainian Canadian community.
Our Government is choosing to support the profits of the National Hockey League over the principles of supporting Ukraine, the Ukrainian people, and opposing genocide and hatred. The choice the Government has made is one with which our community disagrees.
