REGINA — Opposition leader Ryan Meili has issued a request for collaboration with the provincial government in response to the military action undertaken in Ukraine late Wednesday night.
The letter, released today, addresses Premier Moe and calls for a cross-party alliance to support those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine that occurred in the early hours of Feb. 23.
“This is a challenging time for all Canadians, but particularly Ukrainian-Canadians, many of whom call Saskatchewan home,” wrote Meili. “I can only imagine what those loved ones in Ukraine are going through at this time.”
The Sask NDP are looking for the Sask Party’s agreement to jointly call on the federal government to expedite the settlement process for refugees fleeing violence in the Ukraine in the current situation.
The NDP are also calling for more resources from the Canadian government to aid in that settlement process, for agencies that work to welcome newcomers.
“I am reaching out to come together and work collaboratively to support those impacted,” wrote Meili.
With approximately 140,000 residents of Ukrainian heritage, Saskatchewan has a strong Ukrainian community, Meili pointed out, making the province “uniquely positioned” to welcome those impacted by the crisis unfolding overseas.
Meili also called for changes to the Saskatchewan Ukraine Relations Advisory Committee, to allow members from “both sides of the aisle” within the legislature to offer aid.
“Now more than ever, we need an all hands on deck approach,” wrote Meili. “SURAC is well-positioned to guide the work to support those impacted by the current crisis.”
SURAC, which was revived as a citizen group in 2009, currently operates with a committee of eight community leaders, with the Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan-Ukraine Relations acting as a liaison with the government, a position currently held by MLA for Canora-Pelly Terry Dennis.
It's mandate was recently extended to last year, allowing the group to continue raising awareness about political violence in Ukraine.
Earlier this week, Dennis announced that the provincial government would be providing $100,000 in financial aid to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress to aid humanitarian efforts during the conflict.
“Our government will always support Ukrainians' right to defend sovereignty against foreign aggression,” said Dennis.
On social media today, Moe called Russia’s actions in Ukraine “unprovoked, unwarranted and evil and called for “severe and immediate trade sanctions from nations across the world.”
