Latest news with #UkrainianCanadians
Hamilton Spectator
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
‘A garment packed with symbolism' holds increasing significance
The symbolism behind a humble and colourful piece of clothing grows more poignant as Putin's deadly invasion of Ukraine continues. Central to the country's culture and history, vyshyvanka 'serves as a powerful reminder of Ukrainian identity,' said MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk as the spring sitting of Alberta's legislature wound down this month. The UCP's parliamentary secretary for settlement services and Ukrainian evacuees, Armstrong-Homeniuk represents Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville. The riding east of Edmonton is often associated with Ukraine culture and immigration. Each Vyshyvanka Day, held this year on May 15, Ukrainians and others of Ukrainian descent from around the world dress in 'a garment packed with symbolism,' she said. Patterns and colours vary by region of origin, and vyshyvanka designs are often passed down from generation to generation. 'This means each one has its own beauty, but they all share a common trait. They are a proud statement of community, unity and heritage.' In 1891 waves of immigration to Canada from Ukraine began. Statistics Canada put the number of Ukrainian Canadians in 2021 at about 1.3 million people or nearly four per cent of the population. Today about 400,000 people in Alberta alone are either from Ukraine or, like Armstrong-Homeniuk, have Ukrainian ancestry. In February 2022, Russia continued its history of aggression and expansionism against Ukraine with an all-out invasion. The war's death toll has likely passed one million people. Although Ukraine is not yet a member of NATO, the treaty organization 'condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia's unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine — which is an independent, peaceful and democratic country, and a close NATO partner.' NATO and its allies are supporting Ukraine and 'helping to uphold its fundamental right to self-defence,' the organization says on its website. Armstrong-Homeniuk also spoke of a recent fire that destroyed parts of the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, 50 km east of Edmonton. 'Those buildings contain irreplaceable artifacts that told the stories of generations of Ukrainian Canadians, but with us, the descendants, those stories remain,' said Armstrong-Homeniuk. 'As long as we gather to remember our heritage through celebrations like Vyshyvanka Day, our heritage cannot be destroyed. Not by wildfire, not by war.'
Toronto Star
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Star
‘It's not right': Merch associated with Russian mercenary group listed for sale on Walmart Canada Marketplace website
Ukrainian Canadians are frustrated after finding merch items with the logo of a Russian-affiliated private military group up for sale on the Walmart Canada Marketplace website. Iryna Chabanenko, a Ukrainian immigrant living in Winnipeg, came across the listings for a Wagner Group-branded flag and t-shirt from a post in a Facebook group for Ukrainian Canadians in that city. Many in the comments under the post were complaining about the fact these items were up for sale on a website associated with a major Canadian retailer, Chabanenko recounted to the Star.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Thousands rally across Europe, Canada ahead of 3rd anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion
Thousands of people rallied in support of Ukraine on Feb. 23 ahead of the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion which began on Feb. 24, 2022. Rallies were held across Europe on Sunday, with thousands of demonstrators lining the streets of Prague, Paris, and Brussels. Czech President Petr Pavel addressed rally-goers in Prague, emphasizing his country's support for Ukraine. "From what happened, I think it is quite clear who is the aggressor, who violated international law, and who is the victim, whose side we should stand on," Pavel said. "And if we allow (international law) to be compromised, if we reward the aggressor, then sooner or later it will affect us too." Thousands also took to the streets of Brussels' and Paris' city center to mark the third anniversary. In Paris, participants unfurled a 262-meter flag in an effort to mark solidarity with Ukrainians. Amid the start of the fourth year to Russia's full-scale war, European allies have grown increasingly concerned over Kyiv's role in upcoming peace talks between Russia and the United States to end the war. European leaders have scrambled to deliver military support to Ukraine as the U.S., under the Trump administration, races to make a deal with Moscow. Trump has said he wants Europe to play a greater role in supporting Ukraine's financial and defense needs, but his administration has sent mixed signals as to whether Europeans are welcome in the negotiations process. Thousands of Ukrainian Canadians also attended a protest against Russian aggression in Toronto, Canada, in a rally attended by the Kyiv Independent. Chrystia Freeland, Canada's former Finance Minister, who is running to replace outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, attended the rally and touted the country's support for Ukraine. "In this fight, we are on the side of democracy versus dictatorship," Freeland, who is of Ukrainian descent, said during the rally. "We are on the side of rule and order, and not bullies." Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said on Feb. 18 that is interested in partaking in conversations about security guarantees for Ukraine. Read also: EU preparing military aid package for Kyiv worth $20.9 billion, Bloomberg reportsWe've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
