December 17, 2025. OTTAWA, ON. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) joined the Honourable Senator Stan Kutcher (ISG – NS) in calling on the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, to provide a pathway to permanent residency to Ukrainians displaced to Canada by Russia’s genocidal war of aggression.
At a press conference today in Ottawa, Senator Kutcher stated, “The issue that the Government of Canada faces here, is, at its core – a moral one. Should we assist a group of people who have been displaced by a genocidal war and who have not only sought refuge here, but who have made Canada their home. The Minister can act should she choose to do so. We are hopeful that the Minister chooses to do so, and soon.”
The Press Conference can be viewed here:
Joining Senator Kutcher were Gala Darkina, a Ukrainian newcomer with two children displaced to Canada by Russia’s war, who spoke about her experience having to leave her home in Ukraine and come to Canada; Father Taras Kinash, Priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Ottawa and spiritual advisor to scores of displaced Ukrainians; Ihor Michalchyshyn, UCC CEO, and Oksana Zubriy, Advisor on Ukrainian Affairs in Senator Kutcher’s office.
Michalchyshyn concluded, “In October 2025, the UCC asked the Government to establish a pathway to Permanent Residence in Canada for eligible Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) Visa Holders and their Families. Until their status is resolved, CUAET visa holders face a bleak and uncertain future. We call on the Government of Canada to take action today.”
The Brief presented by the UCC to Minister Metlege Diab is available here: UCC Brief to Minister Metlege Diab
