There was a gathering at the Legislative Building this morning to commemorate the third anniversary of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine. Legislative Secretary Responsible for Saskatchewan-Ukraine Relations, Jamie Martens, said, “This war has caused untold suffering to the people of Ukraine, some of whom have resettled here in Saskatchewan. As a province with a rich Ukrainian heritage, Saskatchewan is proud to support those displaced by this terrible conflict.”

In a news release, the provincial government says since the conflict began, nearly 8,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Saskatchewan, many of which have been offered through the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Saskatchewan Provincial Council and the Government of Saskatchewan. Through a funding agreement with the UCC-SPC, the province provides displaced Ukrainians with access to language training, settlement and community supports, as well as connections to employers in their local labour market.

Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck extends condolences to the Ukrainian community on the third anniversary of the illegal Russian invasion and expresses solidarity in their continued fight for peace, justice and sovereignty. She realizes that, unlike U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments last week, Ukraine didn’t start the war and the war-torn country should be at the table for all talks aimed at brokering peace. Beck says she is inspired by the resilience and pride of the Ukrainian people who have chosen to live in Canada – whether for months or for generations.