AMBM President and Deputy Reeve of the Rural Municipality of La Broquerie, Mr. Ivan Normandeau, issued the following statement expressing his deepest solidarity with the Ukrainian people:

On behalf of the Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (AMBM), I strongly condemn the savage and vicious attacks by Russia in Ukraine since February 24.

I join the Premier of Manitoba, the Honourable Heather Stefanson, in supporting the Government of Canada’s decision to provide military equipment and financial support to Ukraine, as well as the imposition of escalating economic sanctions, in a concerted international effort.

Every day, we are learning lessons from the tremendous courage, conviction and resilience shown by the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity.

I am deeply troubled by the barbaric acts of the Russian dictatorship, and I reaffirm to the Ukrainian people, and to the Ukrainian community in Manitoba and Canada, that we share their concerns and their struggle, that we stand with them in solidarity and unity.

The bonds of friendship between Manitoba and Ukraine are strong and rooted in our culture and history. Our province is proud to have the largest Ukrainian diaspora in Canada. These proud and valiant people have been contributing to the vibrancy of our communities and the identity of Manitoba for many decades. We consider them our brothers and sisters.

By joining our voices to those of the international community in calling for a lasting peace in Ukraine now, we offer our support to the provincial and federal governments in their diplomatic and strategic efforts towards this most important goal.

For more information: Office of the Chief Executive Officer (O-CEO), 204-289-4077, [email protected].