Students will also learn about how extreme ideologies enabled mass-scale political repressions through widespread intimidation, arrests, and imprisonment, along with the impact of this genocide on the Ukrainian community in Canada.

“The rise of extremism, including Communism and Marxism, are direct threats to our democracy, social cohesion and values as Canadians,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “I am determined to strengthen education on our shared values, including by mandating learning about the horrors of state-sponsored persecution of Ukrainians in the Holodomor in Grade 10 Canadian History. This learning will help ensure students are never bystanders in the face of such horrors, understand the danger of totalitarianism, and help safeguard fundamental Canadian values of freedom and democracy over communist extremism.”

The Canada-Ukraine Foundation is also deeply grateful to the Government of Ontario for reinforcing this learning by investing $400,000 to support the Holodomor National Awareness Tour and the Holodomor Mobile Classroom (HMC) that will enable the HMC to travel to schools across the province and engage students in grades 6 to 12 through the experiential learning directly linked to the Ontario curriculum.

The Canada-Ukraine Foundation developed Holodomor National Awareness Tour and the Holodomor Mobile Classroom in 2014 to educate and bring awareness of the Holodomor to Canadians. To date, the Holodomor Mobile Classroom is the only one in existence worldwide. This unique learning environment uses cutting-edge technology to fully immerse and assist students in learning about the Holodomor in a digital classroom on wheels. The fusion of technologies and interactive content developed for this program, defines an entirely new way to conduct lessons allowing both the facilitator and students to actively engage with each other.

We are very grateful to the Donors who made the travels during this year that marks the 90^thanniversary of Holodomor, happen and look forward to many more years on the road thanks to the support of the Government of Ontario.

This announcement ensures that students will learn about an unknown chapter in Ukrainian history, and that they will continue to embrace and value democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law that Canada holds in the highest regard.

The post Ontario Government Introduces New Mandatory Learning In The Grade 10 History Course About The Holodomor Genocide In Ukraine appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Prime Minister announced new measures to continue supporting the people of Ukraine, including with new military equipment and additional sanctions.

Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada will provide four additional Leopard 2 main battle tanks to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine in defence of their country, growing our contribution to eight tanks in total. Canada will also provide an armoured recovery vehicle and over 5,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition. The four previously announced Leopard 2 main battle tanks have been delivered to Poland and a Canadian Armed Forces team of trainers is currently training Ukrainian tank crews.

To increase pressure on Putin’s regime, the Prime Minister announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions on individuals and entities complicit in Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. These new measures, which build on the sanctions we have already implemented the past year, include:

• Sanctioning 122 individuals and 13 entities, including members of the lower house of Russia’s parliament who have voted in favour of legislation related to the invasion and attempted annexation of four regions of Ukraine. Other sanctioned individuals include Russian Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, and others in the Office of the President of Russia and the Russian military, as well as family members of previously sanctioned individuals;
• Sanctioning seven Russian individuals and 50 defence entities involved in Russia’s defence industry, including the production of tanks, missiles, and weapons systems that Russia is using in Ukraine; and
• Prohibiting the export to Russia of certain chemical elements for use in electronics, and banning the import, purchase, or acquisition of Russian arms, ammunition, and other weapons, wherever situated or processed, from Russia or from any person in Russia.

In addition, Canada is further combatting Russian and Belarusian deception by tackling their unfair trade practices. We are calling out those countries for intervening to artificially lower the price of their goods. This measure ensures that the Canada Border Services Agency has the tools it needs to protect Canadian producers from competing against unfair foreign government price distortions on imports, which have become increasingly evident since the invasion of Ukraine.

Yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, announced more than $32 million in support of security and stabilization in the country. This includes contributions to demining and accountability efforts, as well as countering chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats that jeopardize the safety of the entire region.

As we mark one year since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we pay tribute to the lives tragically lost to the brutality of Russia’s senseless war, and we honour the Ukrainians who continue to fight. We will always stand united and steadfast in solidarity with Ukraine and in the fight to protect their country, and freedom and democracy everywhere.

“Putin thought his invasion would be a quick victory, but he was mistaken. Ukrainians have stood strong over the last 365 days and counting, and as Russia continues its brutal war against Ukraine, Canada and Canadians will stand by the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

The post PM Announces New Measures To Continue Supporting People Of Ukraine appeared first on Muskoka411.

The post New Stamp Offers Opportunity To Support Ukrainians In Time Of Dire Need appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today visited Kyiv, Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, accompanied the Prime Minister.

Earlier today, the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs participated in a flag raising ceremony to mark the re-opening of the Canadian Embassy in Ukraine. Ambassador Larisa Galadza, together with a team of additional staff members, will resume diplomatic operations in Kyiv, Ukraine as part of a gradual restoring of Canada’s full diplomatic presence and services. Until further notice, consular and immigration services will continue to be provided in Poland and many other European cities in the region.

Prime Minister Trudeau also visited Irpin, where he witnessed firsthand the reckless brutality of Vladimir Putin’s illegal war. Russian forces have terrorized and killed civilians and destroyed homes and neighbourhoods. Canada is leading efforts to ensure they are held accountable for war crimes and other egregious violations of human rights. At the same time, the Prime Minister also witnessed the strength and resilience of Ukrainians, and despite efforts by Russia, Kyiv still stands strong and proud today.

In a bilateral meeting, the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy discussed the historic partnership between their two countries, the situation in Ukraine, and the need for additional international support – including humanitarian, financial, and military assistance. The two leaders also discussed global efforts to impose severe and lasting sanctions on Russia in response to President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine and ongoing commitment to help in any way possible.

Today, the Prime Minister announced additional measures and investments to continue supporting Ukraine, including:

• Providing an additional $50 million in military assistance, which builds on recent contributions of artillery, ammunition, and civilian-pattern light armoured vehicles:
  • 18 drone cameras, including in-service support and repair,
  • $15 million of high-resolution satellite imagery,
  • Up to $1 million in small arms and related ammunition, and
  • Additional ammunition for M777 howitzers;
• Allocating $25 million, from Canada’s $100 million contribution for humanitarian aid in the region, to the World Food Programme to address food security in Ukraine; and
• Contributing $10 million in funding to support human rights, civil society, and demining in Ukraine, in particular:
  • $1.5 million to the United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund;
  • $2.5 million to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to monitor, document and assess human rights violations;
  • $775,000 to Front Line Defenders to support human rights activists and organizations;
  • Up to $2 million to German Marshal Fund of the United States to support civil society actors at risk;
  • Up to $1.15 million in digital emergency support for civil society in Ukraine; and
  • $2 million to HALO Trust for mine action emergency response.

The Prime Minister also announced his intention to temporarily remove trade tariffs on Ukrainian imports for a period of one year and that Canada will be imposing new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations. These new actions, which build on the measures previously announced on April 27, 2022, include:

• Imposing sanctions on 21 additional Russian individuals, including oligarchs and close associates of the Russian regime; and
• Sanctioning 19 individuals in the Russian defence sector and five entities for providing indirect or direct support to the Russian military.

The investments and measures announced today build on what Canada has already committed this year. Since February 2022, Canada has provided $245 million in humanitarian assistance and over $131 million for defensive military equipment. On top of that, Budget 2022 proposes to provide $1 billion in loans through the IMF Administered Account for Ukraine from Canada. This is on top of $620 million in bilateral loans already committed to Ukraine, of which $500 million has already been disbursed. Budget 2022 also proposes $500 million in additional military aid. Today’s sanctions also build on those that have already been imposed on more than 1,000 individuals and entities from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus since February 24, 2022.

During his visit, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Zelenskyy participated in a G7 Leaders’ meeting. Together with leaders from the G7, the Prime Minister and President commemorated the end of the Second World War in Europe. The leaders condemned President Putin’s unprovoked, unjustifiable and illegal war, and Russia’s horrendous attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. The G7 reiterated its steadfast military, financial, and diplomatic support for Ukraine and committed to phasing out reliance on Russian energy, imposing additional sanctions, combatting Russian propaganda, and addressing the international challenges caused by President Putin’s war – particularly global food security.

Canada will continue to support Ukraine and Ukrainians as they fight authoritarianism and as they defend their freedoms, their democracy, and their way of life.

The post Prime Minister Visits Kyiv, Ukraine appeared first on Muskoka411.

Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a new Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund, which will be launched in partnership with Miles4Migrants, The Shapiro Foundation and Air Canada and will build on our support for Ukrainians wishing to travel to Canada.

As of today, Canadians and Canadian companies can donate Aeroplan points to the Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund through Air Canada or Miles4Migrants. For those who want to donate cash, the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto will be collecting donations on behalf of the Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund. These partners are inviting Canadians to donate, with the goal of bringing at least 10,000 Ukrainians and their families on flights to Canada. In addition to a significant donation of 100 million Aeroplan points by Air Canada, The Shapiro Foundation will match donations by Canadians, with a donation equivalent of up to 50 million Aeroplan points.

Canadians who would like to donate their Aeroplan points can do so through the Air Canada and Miles4Migrants websites. Canadians who would like to donate cash can do so through the Travel & Settlement Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto, which will distribute these donations for the purposes of sponsoring displaced Ukrainians. Tax receipts will be issued for donations above $10.

The program will be open to Ukrainian nationals and their accompanying family members who hold valid Canadian travel documents and who have been approved for travel to Canada. Details on how eligible Ukrainians and their families can access the program will be made available in the coming weeks.

This partnership follows the recent measures announced by the Prime Minister of Canada, which include targeted charter flights to Canada for Ukrainian nationals, short-term income support to ensure basic needs are met, and temporary hotel accommodation for up to 2 weeks for those who require support.

• Miles4Migrants is a non-governmental organization that uses donated frequent flyer miles from airlines around the world, credit card points and cash to help people impacted by war, persecution or disaster reunite with loved ones and start new beginnings in safe homes.
• The Shapiro Foundation, founded by Barbara and Edward Shapiro in 2000, is a U.S. charitable foundation focused on improving the lives of the world’s most vulnerable populations. The foundation’s primary focus is on children, refugees and immigrants, as well as education, global health and humanitarian aid.
• Launched on March 17, 2022, the Canada–Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) provides Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality the opportunity to stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to 3 years. They are also eligible for a free open work permit or study permit, which allows them to take a job with almost any Canadian employer or enrol in an education program in Canada.
• Between March 17, when the CUAET was launched, and April 12, IRCC received close to 141,000 applications and approved over 46,000 applications. Key figures are updated on a weekly basis.
• IRCC recently announced that Canada is providing settlement services to Ukrainian nationals coming to Canada through the CUAET. These supports, which are typically only available to permanent residents, will help Ukrainians arriving under this special, accelerated temporary residence pathway settle in their new communities.

SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

The post New Partnership To Help Ukrainians Come To Canada appeared first on Muskoka411.

“As a company, ONroute wants to help make a difference for those suffering because of this tragic conflict. The cumulative impact of each donation provides the opportunity to ignite change and support the people of Ukraine in their right to freedom and peace,” says Melanie Teed-Murch, Chief Executive Officer of ONroute.

“I would like to thank our ONroute customers for their continued generosity. Together as a community, we have the ability and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, through this small act of kindness.”

Money raised will enable the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to respond to humanitarian needs generated by almost eight years of conflict, as well as preparedness and response efforts due to heightened tensions in Ukraine. The support could include preparedness, immediate and ongoing relief efforts, long-term recovery, resiliency, and other critical humanitarian activities as needs arise, both in Ukraine and surrounding countries, including supporting populations displaced.

The post ONroute Invites Travellers To Support Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal appeared first on Muskoka411.

At a time when the province has hundreds of thousands of in-demand jobs to be filled, the Ontario government is launching a suite of supports for Ukrainian families arriving under the new emergency travel authorization, including a dedicated hotline (1-888-562-4769) and email address (ukrainianjobs@ontario.ca) to connect new arrivals with job search supports and local employers in the community.

The post Province Helping Ukrainians Find Jobs In Ontario appeared first on Muskoka411.

The post Township Of Oro-Medonte Raises Ukrainian Flag appeared first on Muskoka411.

“The attack on Ukraine and its citizens is an unjust war, and our hearts go out to all those whose lives are being torn apart during these dark and unsettling days,” said Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes, CEO and President of Georgian College. “We want to be a source of strength for our Ukrainian students and alumni, and this fund is one small way we can help ensure their families receive the necessities they need to make their lives a little easier right now.”

Donations to the Ukraine emergency fund will support the organization’s ongoing programs and response to the escalating need in Ukraine by providing communities with safe water, urgent medical aid and health-care services, child protection and education. UNICEF has been working in Ukraine since 1997.

In addition to other supports, 18 colleges contributed to the joint donation, along with contributions from Colleges Ontario (the sector’s advocacy organization) and the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS).

Locally, Georgian is providing support to students affected by the attack on Ukraine by extending academic deadlines, offering tutoring and language assistance, providing mental health counselling, and assisting with short-term emergency housing. Students are also being assisted financially through tuition payment deferrals for summer semester, access to the Georgian Food Locker to assist with groceries, and an International Emergency Bursary. This emergency bursary, for students impacted by the attack on Ukraine, covers expenses for basic living and other unplanned expenses that have occurred at no fault of the student.

“So many Ukrainian men, women and children are either displaced or living through the terrible situation in Ukraine,” said Linda Franklin, the president and CEO of Colleges Ontario. “This tragedy has affected everyone on our campuses and created a strong desire to help.”

The post Ontario Colleges’ Donation Supports Ukrainian Crisis Fund appeared first on Muskoka411.

“The war has caused one of the fastest large-scale displacements of children since World War II,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “This is a grim milestone that could have lasting consequences for generations to come. Children’s safety, wellbeing and access to essential services are all under threat from non-stop horrific violence.”

The post More Than Half Of Ukraine’s Children Displaced After One Month Of War appeared first on Muskoka411.