Good afternoon, everyone. It is my honour to welcome community members and the staff and students from St. Demetrius Catholic School in Etobicoke, as well as members of Ontario’s Ukrainian community, to the House.

Colleagues, I rise this afternoon because in two days’ time, on the 24 of February, the world will mark a tragic anniversary. Two years ago, Russia began its latest phase in its illegal, unprovoked and brutal war of aggression on Ukraine and its citizens. As we look back and reflect on these last two years, it has been challenging to put into words the profound impact this conflict has had: the countless lives lost, the families torn apart and the images of once vibrant communities reduced to rubble by Russia’s indiscriminate bombings of civilian centres. These undeniable realities weigh even heavier on our hearts as we approach this difficult anniversary. Today and every day, Ontario stands with the rest of the world in condemning Russia’s actions.

The actions of Russia over the last two years, while highly shocking and deeply saddening, are part of a long history of aggression by Vladimir Putin’s Russia in an effort to exercise control over Ukraine’s sovereign territory and nation. Nearly 10 years ago today, he began his illegal operation with the annexation of Crimea. This action, as we now know, was only part of this destructive campaign and drive for power. Now, two years into total war, one thing has become increasingly clear: Putin will not stop, no matter the cost, destruction and untold misery his actions have unleashed.

While an ocean and a continent separates us from those on the front lines, we, as Ontarians and Canadians, do not have to look far to find living reminders of the impact this conflict is having right here at home. Speaker, in the gallery joining us here today, as introduced earlier, are members and leaders of Ontario’s Ukrainian communities and the students of St. Demetrius Catholic School in Etobicoke, some of whom are new to Canada, having fled their homes in search of safety, and many of whom have family and loved ones who remain in harm’s way. No words delivered here today could ever begin to encapsulate the feelings and hardship they—along with thousands of others who have sought refuge here in Ontario. We welcome you to the Legislature today—your seat of government—and thank you for joining us.

In my capacity as Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, I have had the honour and privilege of meeting with many from Ontario’s Ukrainian communities. I have seen first-hand how the loss and anguish brought on by a conflict of this scale has the power to test the resolve of even the strongest of communities. And yet, even during the darkest moments of this conflict, the resilience, courage and unwavering spirit of the Ukrainian people continues to shine ever so bright. In the face of unimaginable hardship, they have remained steadfast and shown that no invasion, war or conflict will ever extinguish their love of country and determination for a brighter day to come once again—a day when the sun rises over the eastern Ukrainian sky, when war is no more, communities are restored and peace is the everlasting normal.

I have seen this resilience shared first-hand on more than one occasion. Last May, I was fortunate enough to join the Ukrainian Canadian Congress for their Vyshyvanka Day celebrations at Toronto’s High Park. The vibrant garments of white, blue and yellow—which have long been a symbol of Ukrainian heritage, dignity and good luck and good fortune to those who wear it. That evening, however, it became clear that now more than ever, the Vyshyvanka has taken on a new meaning, as a symbol of Ukraine’s continued strength, independence and resistance to Russia’s genocidal campaign.

In September, I saw this spirit on full display once again when I joined the Premier and over 1,000 community members in welcoming President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Toronto. I still remember the deafening roar as the crowd cheered, and the pride as those in attendance proudly proclaimed, “Slava Ukraini.” As President Zelenskyy said in his remarks that night, “The day will come when we gather at a similar place in Ukraine, many people, millions, cheering crowds, blue and yellow flags and Maple Leaf flags.” I, too, have no doubt that that day will come. We have seen the undying spirit of the Ukrainian people in our communities, across Canada and around the world. And that spirit is simply too strong, too unwavering for even Vladimir Putin to suppress, try as he might.

As Canadians and as Ontarians, we have a moral obligation to stand up and to speak up when we see evil take place. From the very beginning, Ontario has been there to lend a hand of support to the Ukrainian people. Our government, under the leadership of the Premier, has taken and continues to take action to step up and help those arriving in Ontario. Since the start of the war, we have proudly welcomed over 75,000 displaced Ukrainians find safety here in our great province. As part of these efforts, our government launched a suite of supports for these newcomers to restore a sense of normality back to their lives—from a dedicated job-search hotline to connect new arrivals to local employers in their communities, to OHIP coverage and drug benefits, access to emergency housing, employment services, mental health and wellness support through investments in settlement agencies and local organizations, as well as the new provincial Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship to provide eligible students with the ability to pursue post-secondary education.

These investments are helping ensure that all who have come to Ontario, whether as a temporary home or as a permanent one, have the tools and opportunities to build a life here in our great province for as long as they choose to stay.

In addition, under the leadership of the Minister of Education, Ontario became the first province to mandate learning of the Holodomor, a famine genocide which led to the deaths of over three million Ukrainian men, women and children. This curriculum will ensure grade 10 students from all corners of Ontario can learn about the impacts of this genocide and how it was caused by a radical communist ideology like the Soviet Union. More importantly, however, this curriculum will stress the importance of standing up for the values that unite us and not being a bystander in the face of evil and those who look to sow division and hatred within our communities or elsewhere.

We have done all these things not only because they were the right things to do, but because we as Ontarians and Canadians know that it is our duty and responsibility to stand with our allies and with those who share our values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and the fundamental belief that all have the right to live life with dignity.

Madam Speaker, Ontario has long been a beacon of light and hope for people from all around the world. We as Ontarians take great pride in being from a place where all are welcomed and where our diversity is viewed as a source of strength. As home to one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the world, we share a unique bond with Ukraine, one that is bolstered by our common values and the strong ties of friendship that connect our two jurisdictions. We are so incredibly proud to be home to such a strong and vibrant Ukrainian community here in Ontario, one whose contributions have helped build our province into everything it is today. Our government will never waver in its support for the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian community here at home in its ongoing fight for freedom, not just today but every day.

Madam Speaker, as the world marks this tragic anniversary, there is no denying how long and difficult the road to this point has been. And while we do not know yet when it may end, know that we walk alongside you, now and always, in your struggle for peace and a brighter future for the Ukrainian people. Thank you. Slava Ukraini.

Applause.