The County of Prince Edward has raised the Ukrainian flag in front of Shire Hall in support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian community impacted by the Russian invasion.
Council also unanimously approved a resolution, which included several actions, including to provide a $5,000 matching fund donation to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal organized by the Canadian Red Cross and a challenge to Ontario municipalities to donate as well.
“Like many people across Prince Edward County, I am horrified by the scenes of death and destruction in Ukraine as a result of the recent invasion by Russia. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine during these troubling times,” Mayor Steve Ferguson says. “With raising the Ukrainian flag, we hope to start a broader discussion in our community about how everyone can help the people of Ukraine, especially financially.”
In its resolution, Council urged the federal and provincial government to work with various agencies to expedite the resettlement of refugees and streamline the immigration process.
The Council resolution also included a clause requesting that the Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) immediately advocate for strong Canadian support for the International Criminal Court’s decision to investigate alleged war crimes against humanity by the Russians in Ukraine and that similar charges by pursued by the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
In July 2019, the municipality welcomed a delegation of elected Ukrainian officials to Prince Edward County as part of Ukraine: Partnership for Local Economic Development and Democratic Governance. The program, implemented by FCM and financed by Global Affairs Canada, worked to strengthen local governments and create a better future for communities in Ukraine. Learn more about the program.