February 27, 2022 Ukraine Update

Dear Neighbour,

Over the past few days, we have witnessed the horrifying events of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. I wanted to provide you an update on the steps our government has taken to support Ukraine during this difficult time. Canada is home to the largest population of people of Ukrainian descent outside of Ukraine and Russia. We have deep ties to the country and will stand up strongly for its sovereignty.

I recognize that the news over the past month — even the past couple of years — can feel relentless. Please do take care of yourselves and know that mental health supports are available at: https://www.wellnesstogether.ca/en-CA.

I also want to be clear that as we stand up to President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, the fight is against the Russian regime and not its people. Many of our community members are also of Russian descent and many may have deep concerns about family and friends back home. This is a difficult time for all people concerned.

What Canada has done to stand with Ukraine

We have taken several diplomatic, military, and economic steps to stand with Ukraine in this difficult time and sanction Russia for this invasion. These steps include:

• Sent additional military contributions to support NATO, including up to an additional 460 personnel (currently approximately 800 are currently deployed in Europe to support NATO);
• Authorized approximately 3,400 Canadian Armed Forces personnel to deploy to the NATO Response Force if required by NATO;
• Deployed a second frigate with a maritime helicopter to the region under a NATO flag, and tasked a maritime patrol aircraft to operate under NATO command and control;
• Restricting exports to Russia by halting new export permit applications and cancelling valid export permits (with a limited number of exceptions for critical medical supply chains);
• Imposing sanctions on President Putin, his Chief of Staff, his Foreign Minister, Defense Minister, Justice Minister, and members of the Russian Security Council;
• Imposing sanctions targeting Russian banks;
• Putting in place prohibitions on direct and indirect dealings in Russian sovereign debt;
• Imposing sanctions on Belarus and its leaders for abetting President Putin’s invasion. This expands the list of sanctions to a further 57 individuals who are part of the Belarus regime; and
• Leading the push to have Russia removed from the SWIFT payment system to make it more difficult for President Putin to finance the invasion

I continue to work with our Ministers to ensure that we have a strong response to this invasion.

How can you help?

Many people have reached out to ask how they can help Ukraine at this time. If you would like to donate, the Canadian government has committed to match every donation made by individual Canadians to the Canadian Red Cross between February 24 to March 18, 2022, up to a maximum of $10 million. You can donate to the matching fund for the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal online at www.redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111.

Across the world, people are demonstrating their unity with Ukraine. In Toronto today there will be a march at Yonge-Dundas Square at 2pm. I will #StandWithUkraine. Please find out more here: www.facebook.com/ucctoronto

For Canadians in Ukraine

Canadians in Ukraine can reach consular assistance by the following means:

Email: [email protected]

Call: +1-613-996-8885

WhatsApp: +1-613-909-8881

For Ukrainians Seeking Refuge in Canada

We are prioritizing immigration applications for people from Ukraine. Some of the measures that we have put in place for support include:

• A dedicated service channel for Ukraine enquiries on immigration available for people in Canada and abroad at +1-613-321-4243 (collect calls accepted);
• Urgent processing of travel documents, including issuing single-journey travel documents for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who do not have valid passports;
• Prioritizing the renewal of work and study permits for Ukrainians currently in Canada so that they can extend their stay; and
• Issuing open work permits to Ukrainian visitors, workers and students who are currently in Canada and cannot go home

My office is available to assist Ukrainian people living in our community, and community members currently in Ukraine. Please reach out if you have any questions or require assistance.

Julie