CANORA - Over 260 Ukraine newcomers from Canora and surrounding area, as well as supportive members of communities across eastern Saskatchewan and western Manitoba, filled Rainbow Hall in Canora to officially welcome the newcomers.
The event began with a meet-and-greet to help the newcomers and community members get better acquainted on a personal level. The lively music of The Old Country Lads helped create a festive and relaxed atmosphere.
Natalie Prokopetz, MC, opened the program with a greeting for all those in attendance.
“On behalf of Canora-Pelly MLA Terry Dennis, the Town of Canora, and our sponsors, welcome to Ukrainians who have come to Canada, and members of our communities who have come out to meet you today.”
Ukrainian Dancers from all over the Parkland region, including Sturgis, Yorkton, Langenburg, and, of course, Canora, gave the Ukraine newcomers a welcome taste of the culture of their homeland.
Ken Krawetz, former Canora-Pelly MLA, greeted the newcomers in Ukrainian. Krawetz, who is now the honourary counsel of Ukraine, offered his services “to assist newcomers in any way I can.”
Canora-Pelly MLA Terry Dennis added his greetings for the Ukraine newcomers.
“About a year-and-a-half ago, I had the honour to be named Legislative Secretary for Ukrainian Relations of Saskatchewan, and then shortly thereafter, Russia invaded Ukraine,” said Dennis. “Since then Premier Scott Moe and the Government of Saskatchewan have stepped up with the best welcoming package anywhere for displaced Ukrainians. With nine welcoming centres open in Saskatchewan, we have provided one-stop shops for health cards, social insurance number cards, funding and much more.
“Since the war stared, Saskatchewan has welcomed over 4,000 displaced Ukrainians. Thanks to the people of Saskatchewan for not only welcoming these newcomers, but stepping up with many generous donations.
“We have had five flights of displaced Ukrainians come into Saskatchewan,” continued Dennis. “A memorandum of understanding was signed by Scott Moe to partner with Solidaire and Open Arms for these flights, sponsored and paid for by billionaire Enrique Pineyro of Argentina.
“The population of Saskatchewan now includes about 140,000 from a Ukraine background, or roughly 13 per cent. We will continue to welcome and support as many Ukrainians who want to come to Saskatchewan.
“About 100 years ago, many families came to Saskatchewan and helped build this province. And now these newcomers will get jobs, homes, kids in our schools and help our province continue to grow,” concluded Dennis.
Brett Drozd, whose story appeared in the April 20 issue of the Canora Courier, shared his experiences of gathering supplies for Ukraine and then travelling to the war-torn country to see those supplies delivered. While in Ukraine, Drozd volunteers his services in the dangerous undertaking of rescuing civilians in immediate danger during the war.
Drozd encouraged support for the needs related to the war effort.
“There is a critical need for items that are not supplied by governments and large groups,” said Drozd. “One example is proper footwear for soldiers. Many soldiers are wearing sneakers as they go off to battle.”
Drozd encouraged everyone here in Saskatchewan to do their part to support Ukraine.
“Please make it known to as many people here at home about the needs in Ukraine. If you help with general awareness in your community, that helps with votes for politicians who support Ukraine,” concluded Drozd.
During the program, all Ukraine newcomers were asked to stand, and then received an enthusiastic and welcoming round of applause from all those in attendance.
The menu for the meal following the program probably made the Ukraine newcomers feel right at home: Perogies, sausage, cabbage rolls. meatballs, borscht, nachinka, baked macaroni, wheat salad, compote (mixture of dried fruit), kutia, beetnicks, and poppyseed cake.
