April 2022 Canadian Newsletter
Greetings!
These are difficult days. There’s nothing I can write which adequately expresses the anger and sorrow of our community as we hear more news of horrific Russian war crimes and crimes against humanity.

For me, what is most heartening in this moment is the unprecedented work of our Ukrainian communities across Canada to support Ukraine and prepare to welcome displaced persons from Ukraine. We are very grateful for the strong support by Canadians and inspired and awed by the bravery and strength of the Ukrainian people.

Slava Ukraini! Heroyam Slava!
Ihor Michalchyshyn
CEO & Executive Director
UCC Updates & News
Ukraine’s President addresses Canada’s Parliament
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered an historic address to Canada’s Parliament. As the Ukrainian people heroically defend themselves from a full-out Russian invasion, President Zelenskyy called on Canada and allies to strengthen support for Ukraine and enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine.

President Zelenskyy stated, “Can you imagine when you call your friends, a nation, and you ask, ‘Please close the skies. Close the airspace. Please stop the bombing. ‘How many more of those missiles have to fall on our cities until you make this happen?”

Vitaliy Skakun Fund for Ukrainian Veterans’ Families
Vitaliy Volodymyrovych Skakun (19 August 1996 – 24 February 2022) was a Ukrainian marine combat engineer born 19 August 1996 in Berezhany, Ternopilska Oblast, Ukraine.

During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Skakun’s battalion was deployed to protect the town of Henichesk, located near the Isthmus of Perekop. As a Russian armoured column approached the position, Ukrainian forces decided to destroy the Henichesk bridge, in order to slow the advance of Russian troops advancing northward from Crimea in the Kherson offensive. Skakun, a combat engineer, volunteered to place mines on the bridge.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Canada Ukraine Foundation are proud to honour the memory of Vitaliy Skakun by establishing the Vitaliy Skakun Fund to assist the families of Ukrainian veterans.

Sanjha TV Telethon and Radiothon for Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal
The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF), is immensely grateful to all Canadians for their generous support of humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine.


As Russia continues its vicious assault on Ukrainian civilians, indiscriminately shelling and bombing Ukrainian cities, the need for humanitarian aid grows every day.

On Monday we were honoured to participate in the Red FM and Sanjha TV South Asian Canadian Community’s Telethon and Radiothon, which raised at least $300,000 and more still coming. We’ll keep you updated on this outstanding fundraising efforts soon.
Canada can do more to help Ukrainian refugees –
Op-ed in the Toronto Star
March 31, the Toronto Star published an op-ed by UCC National President Alexandra Chyczij, Canada can do more to help Ukrainian refugees.

How to apply for the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for
Emergency Travel – guide
This guide was created by the FASKEN law firm.

Disclaimer: The information within this guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should contact a certified Canadian immigration lawyer or advisor directly and get professional advice relevant to their specific circumstances before any action is taken.

Farewell to UCCs 2021-22 Parliamentary Intern
We would like to wish Elizabeth Franceschini farewell!

Elizabeth has completed the UCC Parliamentary Internship Program, and is excited to put her experiences, knowledge and acquired skills to us in future employments.

To read about Elizabeths 2021-2021 internship experience click the link below!

WEBINARS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
Russia’s War on Ukraine – Implications for International
Law and the United Nations
On March 23, Ambassador Bob Rae; Dr. Mykola Gnatovskyy, Former Ambassador Ms. Sabine Nölke, with Moderation by: Professor John Packer spoke on the topic of Russia’s War on Ukraine – Implications for International
Law and the United Nations

COMMUNITY NEWS
UCC information and settlement resource page
Вітаємо у Канаді! Конґрес Українців Канади створив цю сторінку для швидкого та легкого пошуку інформації щодо поселення та ресурсів у різних проовінціях для людей що прибувають з України.

In an effort to help Ukrainian displaced persons, UCC National has created a special page with information and settlement resources by province and territory.

Qikiqtarjuaq school reaches out virtually to kids in war-torn Ukraine
Inuksuit School principal David Falconer, at bottom right, poses with Inuksuit School children who have been delivering a message of support to Ukraine. (Photo courtesy of David Falconer)
Amid the bombing and violence in Ukraine, some children are getting an escape by learning about the Arctic.

“I really felt this could be one way where I can support these [Ukrainian children],” said David Falconer, principal at Inuksuit School in Qikiqtarjuaq.
He signed on to a program that gives Ukrainian children hour-long virtual lessons where they get to learn about another place in the world. With Falconer, that place is Nunavut. Ukrainian children log in to Zoom sessions at whatever location they can, then Falconer and other teachers at Inuksuit School tell them about life in Canada’s North.
Written by: David Lochead

Free Legal Information Webinars -
Immigration and Other Legal Support for People from Ukraine
A series of webinars and Q&A sessions have been put together by Canadian lawyers and legal practitioners to support #Ukrainians in #Canada and abroad, who need immediate legal information.
The sessions will be held each Thursday of April from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm EST

These virtual sessions are #free and open to public. We can answer questions in English and Ukrainian.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Learn How to Make Pysanky, Traditionally, Using Natural,
Homemade Dyes - April 9
Learn how to make pysanky (Ukrainian Easter Eggs), traditionally, using natural homemade dyes.

FREE Virtual Event / БЕЗКОШТОВНО

Bozena Hrycyna is director of FOLK CAMP, an organisation connecting people with the folk arts, crafts, music, and land based traditions of Eastern Europe in the Canadian context

SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2022
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM (ET)


UCC Parliamentary Internship - Information Session: April 19th
Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2022 Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) Parliamentary Internship Program.

Interested applicants are encouraged to participate in an Information Session taking place April 19, 2022 at 8:30 pm Eastern Time with the Program Director and alumni.


Kobzar Book Award Ceremony - April 28th
We’re excited to announce the new date for the 9th KOBZAR™ Book Award Ceremony: APRIL 28!

With the tragic war in Ukraine, our hearts and minds continue to be with the Ukrainian people. But we are also reminded daily of the power of storytelling. Join us on April 28 for a virtual celebration of our Canadian storytellers and the stories that shape Ukrainian identity in Canada.

Please invite your friends and families to join us as well!

Tryzub Awards - May 12
The Tryzub Awards were created by The Myhal Family Foundation who saw a need to unify our community across Canada to celebrate the accomplishments of those who have achieved success in their chosen fields, have worked in support of Ukraine, Ukrainian causes, the Ukrainian-Canadian community and Canada overall.

With support and partnership from The Shevchenko Foundation, we have aspired to reach the entire Ukrainian-Canadian diaspora to celebrate our recipients and through The Shevchenko Foundation, use the raised funds to support numerous causes that reflect the daily lives and interests of Canadian Ukrainians.


Governor in Council appointments are public appointments by the Government of Canada to Crown corporations and federal entities (such as boards, agencies and commissions etc.)
We encourage qualified Ukrainian Canadians to put their names forward and to serve Canada and its people.
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