Statement on the fourth anniversary of the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia

Heather McPherson made the following statement:

Four years ago the world watched in horror as Putin launched his illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Putin’s brutal genocide of the Ukrainian people has killed and injured hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians and displaced entire communities.

Ukrainians have defended their country with courage and with love. This is an existential fight - one not just for Ukraine but for democracy, for international law, and for a world order that is based on justice and accountability.

Canadians stand with Ukraine and I am proud of our support for Ukraine. Over the past four years, I have travelled to Ukraine and met with humanitarian workers, lawyers, parents, and citizens of Ukraine’s beautiful cities. I secured a unanimous consent motion in Parliament to declare what is happening in Ukraine a genocide, as well as further motions reaffirming Canada’s support for Ukrainians.

But four years in, we must renew our commitments. Canada must extend and strengthen its sanctions across all Russian sectors. Canada must increase its commitments to international justice, including the International Criminal Court. The Liberals have been far too slow to seize Russian assets in Canada, while the Conservatives are once again threatening health care supports for refugees and asylum seekers in Canada. In a country that has been so welcoming to Ukrainians fleeing genocide, this move by the Conservatives is simply cruel.

Four years ago few of us expected the war to last this long. In this time, the world has changed, and Ukraine now endures a reluctant and harmful United States President, no longer a reliable ally. Far-right ideologies and misinformation are spreading. International law is respected even less than before. In these dark times, Canada must be a beacon for light for hope and for justice. We must hold fast to our values. This means standing with Ukraine and Ukrainians. I pray this is the year that Ukraine sees victory. I hope for a just peace.