The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills:
Speaker, an illegal, immoral and horrific war is raging within Europe. Without pretense of legitimacy or justification, the Russian Federation under order of its authoritarian leader has ordered an occupying army into Ukraine. In its wake, mass civilian casualties, along with the wanton destruction of cities and villages including the hospitals, schools, daycares, and basic services contained within is the cause of human tragedy beyond understanding. Residential neighborhoods have been targeted and steps towards war crimes proceedings have begun.
But the people of Ukraine are far from defeated. Unanticipated by their invaders, the people and their government, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have challenged Russian’s invading force with courage and unwavering resolve. Speaker, Ukraine remains standing!
And we too, Speaker, must stand strong and stand with Ukraine!
The people of Newfoundland and Labrador as well as Canadians from coast to coast to coast have given voice to our collective resolve to support the people of Ukraine as we condemn this illegal and unjustified war imposed by Russia.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador stands with Ukraine. We also recognize that a humanitarian crisis is evolving both inside and outside of Ukraine. With Russian combatants deliberately targeting cities and civilians, nearly three million Ukrainians, including children and their caregivers, have fled to neighboring European countries.
Speaker, it is our duty of conscience and our duty as global citizens, it is our duty as Canadians to extend an open welcome to Ukrainian refugees and, Speaker, Newfoundland and Labrador will be there! Our province is already showing the type of leadership that is required. Recognizing that an estimated 1,400 of our friends and neighbors in this province identify with Ukrainian roots, we have created a Ukrainian Family Support Desk within the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism to provide support for efforts within our province.
Speaker, I have already had several meetings with Minister Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, pronouncing Newfoundland Labrador’s support, advising him on coordinating an expedited Canadian response and informing him that Newfoundland and Labrador will be actively welcoming Ukrainian refugees into our homes.
Speaker, Newfoundland and Labrador will stand tall. Newfoundland and Labrador will Stand With Ukraine!