OTTAWA – On behalf of nearly 2,000 member municipalities from across Canada, Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) president Joanne Vanderheyden issued a statement in support of the people of Ukraine.
Since the Russian attack against Ukraine, local leaders have joined together to express solidarity with the people of Ukraine and all Canadians of Ukrainian heritage, said Vanderheyden.
“The hundreds of thousands of Canadians who make up the Ukrainian diaspora in our country, as well as all those who have lived through the tragedy of war worldwide, are united as the nation of Ukraine is subject to a devastating and deadly attacks by Russian forces,” she said in a statement.
An estimated two million people have fled Ukraine and are looking to nations around the world including Canada for support.
“In response, cities and communities across Canada have pledged to step up,” Vanderheyden stated. “Municipal leaders have expressed solidarity and are finding ways to help, whether working with other orders of government to prepare to welcome refugees, making donations, rallying citizens to focus support where it is most needed.”
Local governments play a vital role as promoters of peace, prosperity, and democracy, she added.
“Communities are critical to the successful settling of refugees fleeing conflict, whether it be co-ordinating local supports, offering transit or shelter services, or taking the lead on inclusive integration,” Vanderheyden noted. “As municipal leaders, we pledge to work with the Government of Canada and provincial and territorial governments across the country to oppose this injustice, and to do more to welcome those fleeing conflicts in search of safety and security.”
To support those impacted by the crisis in Ukraine visit Red Cross’ Ukraine humanitarian crisis appeal.
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