Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), concluded a successful visit to Ottawa on September 24.
“Canada’s steadfast support is critical for ensuring Ukraine’s victory. Russia continues its genocidal war against Ukraine and escalates attacks on NATO – routinely violating NATO airspace with drones and fighter jets,” stated Chyczij. “Helping Ukraine defeat Russia is in Canada’s national security interest – a true win-win.”
Chyczij met with the Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence; the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs; the Honourable Michael Chong, Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs; Yvan Baker, MP (Etobicoke-Centre); and Senator Peter Boehm.
Chyczij also attended the Ukraine Heritage Day event at the Senate of Canada, hosted by Senator Stan Kutcher, Senator Donna Dasko, and Senator Rebecca Patterson.
Chyczij outlined the UCC’s policy priorities for ensuring Ukraine’s victory and thanked the Government, Opposition and Senate for strong bipartisan support of Ukraine:
Defence
- Increase military assistance to Ukraine beyond the $2 billion earmarked for this year;
- Substantially increase investment in joint Ukrainian- Canadian defence production;
Economy
- Increase support for the Canadian private sector that seeks to invest in Ukraine;
- Invest in domestic energy production and pipelines to grow Canada’s economy and deprive Russia’s war machine of revenue;
Justice
- Designate Russia a state supporter of terrorism;
- Substantially increase sanctions on Russia and Russia’s shadow fleet;
- Support an international tribunal to hold Russia accountable for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity;
- Work with allies to seize the $300 billion in frozen Russian assets held in the West.
