Let’s All Celebrate Ukrainian-Canadian Heritage Month!
“Tragedy at home countered by triumph in Canada”
NEWS: September 11, 2023
ETOBICOKE – Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP today urged people in the Riding to celebrate Ukrainian-Canadian Heritage Month throughout September – especially this year.
“We all continue to reel over the barbarity unleashed by Vladimir Putin on the citizens of Ukraine and pray for the ultimate triumph of justice,” Hogarth said.
“But what of the Ukrainian-Canadians who have chosen our community as their home, or have sought refuge here in Etobicoke-Lakeshore? According to the most recent census (2021), your compatriots number more than 3,000. And your ranks have grown considerably since,” she added, noting that St Josaphat’s Cathedral Catholic School alone has enrolled more than 250 students escaping the violence – more than any other school across the Toronto District Catholic School Board.
“That said, during this annual Ukrainian-Canadian Heritage month, there is some comfort at hand, because tragedy in the homeland has been more than countered by triumph right here,” she continued.
“You continue to leave a profound mark on Ontario’s development, especially in the fields of agriculture, our economy as a whole, politics and sports.
“The list of Ukrainian-Canadians in a variety of elite fields is a long one: including Ray Hnatyshyn, Roy Romanow, Ernie Eves, Luba Goy, Roberta Bondar. But most of all, you have helped make Etobicoke-Lakeshore – and all Ontario – a rich reflection of the world we live in at its best.”
Hogarth noted that to help all newcomers establish roots in the province, the Ontario government offers four free job training programs with new funding of $2.6 million, to help new arrivals find meaningful work in our communities. Please visit news@ontario.ca for the July 11th announcement of these programs.
“My thoughts this Ukrainian-Canadian Heritage Month are these: how beloved flag of Ukraine has not just stood as a symbol of the proud, fearless and ancient people of Ukraine, and that how today, here in Ontario and all over the world, that flag has become a symbol of defiance, of independence, of the rejection of tyranny and the embrace of freedom.
“Together this month, let’s celebrate your achievements here in this province – and your fighting spirit in Ukraine.”
MEDIA CONTACT
Nabeel Ranmall – Office Manager
Office of the MPP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore
Telephone: 647-391-4563
nabeel.ranmall@pc.ola.org