Idea for Winnipeg-Ukraine humanitarian fund welcomed, advocates suggest using dollars closer to home
A Winnipeg councillor's idea to create a humanitarian fund to help Ukraine is being praised by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress as it urges the city to consider using the dollars closer to home.
Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona) put the idea to council to create a Winnipeg-Ukraine Humanitarian Fund. He said the donations would be collected by the city to be used for humanitarian aid as the Russian invasion continues.
Roman Yereniuk, speaking on behalf of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, congratulated council for considering the motion, saying if passed, Winnipeg will be the first Canadian city to do this kind of initiative.
"We are very, very pleased to hear there is some movement, some ideas – some fresh ideas," Yereniuk told council.
He said the federal and provincial governments have done a lot of work to help Ukrainians, but said there is a role the city can play.
"If we can do our little bit in City Hall and do it with the people of Winnipeg, including the Ukrainian Canadian population, I think this would go a long way to alleviate some of the problems," he said.
The motion proposes the donations raised in the fund would be matched by the city one-to-one, and would be transferred to non-profits in Ukraine every month.
However, Yereniuk suggested the city use some of the funds here in Winnipeg.
"We believe strongly that some of the funds should stay in Manitoba and in the City of Winnipeg to assist with the resettlement of those immigrants that have decided and have been able to receive visas to come to Canada," he said.
"They are always in need of additional assistance."
Mayor Scott Gillingham told council close to 15,000 Ukrainian refugees are settling in Manitoba, most of whom are coming to Winnipeg.
"No matter what happens today, the conversation will not end in any way," Gillingham said during the council meeting.
The motion is set to return to City Hall. Council voted Thursday to refer it to the Executive Policy Committee for further discussion.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.