FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 1, 2022
WHITEHORSE – The Yukon Party Official Opposition applauds the Yukon Government’s work with the local Ukrainian community to welcome refugees to the territory. The introduction of the Ukraine Help Desk and the interpreter program at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport are examples of collaborative work with the Yukon’s Ukrainian community to ensure we can help those needing refuge and fleeing the large-scale wholly unprovoked attack by Russia.
“Many Yukoners and Canadians have family or connections to the nation of Ukraine and, together, we have been shocked and angered by the overwhelming displacement of Ukrainians from their peaceful, stable democratic nation,” Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon said. “As Yukoners marked Ukraine Independence Day last week, it was reported that numerous Ukrainian-speaking Yukoners are acting as interpreters to greet and guide refugees arriving on weekly Condor flights, and eight refugees from the conflict have permanently settled in the territory to date with more to arrive soon. That joint community and government effort is a credit to the hard work of government officials and residents, as we stand together to oppose the illegal and immoral acts in Europe.”
When Porter Creek North MLA Geraldine Van Bibber wrote an open letter in February to encourage the Minister of Economic Development to ensure the Yukon and Yukoners are prepared to welcome any Ukrainian refugees, the Minister indicated that they would work with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada to facilitate job matching of Ukrainian refugees with local employers. The welcome and cooperation with the local community has been a success as Yukoners continue our long tradition of receiving those in need.
“As Canadians, we cannot become complacent while a full-scale invasion occurs in a democratic European country,” Dixon said. “Canada has undertaken many actions to support Ukraine, but we need to do more. I renew my calls for Canada to expel the Russian ambassador and to levy the strongest possible sanctions against Russia’s energy sector, as well as ensure Canada does our part to increase the supply of energy to our allies in Europe to displace their dependence on Russian energy.”
In February, the Yukon Party Official Opposition called on Canada to live up to our NATO treaty obligations and support broad economic sanctions against Russia and Russian entities, as well as expel the Russian Ambassador.
In addition, the Ottawa Citizen and other newspapers across the country published an April editorial from Dixon outlining the need for adequate military power to defend our interests in the North.
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Contact:
Tim Kucharuk
Press Secretary
(867) 393-7026