'No one is safe if Ukraine isn't safe': Canadian House of Commons speaker urges to support Kyiv

Espreso correspondent Kateryna Halko reports.

In his speech, the Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons noted that Canadians understand the sacrifices made by the Ukrainian people and expressed admiration for the resilience of Ukrainians.

"It is a true blessing for me to visit your beautiful country, and it is a great privilege to stand here with you, the elected representatives of a brave democracy. Thank you for your hospitality, for your warm welcome! And before I say more, I want to say two words that you have taught the world, 'Glory to Ukraine'" he emphasized.

Fergus underscored that in saying these words, he is aware of what they mean to Ukrainians.

"You and your people have dedicated everything you have to the meaning of these words. Today, I will say what these words mean to the world," the politician added. "By teaching us the words 'Glory to Ukraine,' you have reminded the entire world that freedom comes at a cost, and those who do not pay that price lose their freedom, while you are paying dearly."

He stressed that Canada will continue to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom and independence.

"But make no mistake, my friends, everything that Russia has stolen, Ukraine will be able to return, and for every wound they have inflicted upon you, they will pay, because a criminal invasion has its price as well. For the sake of justice, for the sake of all those who have suffered and made their sacrifices, Russia will pay," Fergus assured.

The Speaker also mentioned the numerous connections between Canada and Ukraine, highlighting the contributions of Canadians of Ukrainian descent to Canada's development. He gave examples of prominent Canadians of Ukrainian origin, including artist William Kurelek and the first Ukrainian-Canadian member of parliament, Michael Luchkovich, as well as Roman Hnatyshyn, who served as a former Governor General of Canada, was a member of the Canadian Parliament, and worked in the Cabinet. According to him, in 1992, shortly after Ukraine became independent, Hnatyshyn was one of the first foreign leaders to visit Ukraine on an official visit.

"I am convinced that you are aware of the deep ties between Canada and Ukraine. According to the 2021 population census, 1.25 million Canadians have Ukrainian roots. All Canadians of Ukrainian descent have contributed to building Canada as it is today," he added.

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, Canada has allocated over $12.4 billion in financial aid to Ukraine

Fergus emphasized that since January 2022, Canada has provided Ukraine with more than $12.4 billion in financial assistance, including $4.5 billion for military support: weapons, equipment, and training under Operation Unifier.

He also mentioned the recently signed security agreement between Canada and Ukraine.

"This treaty is not just about short-term support for Ukraine, it's about building a long-term partnership between our two countries in the field of security," the Speaker stressed.

According to him, Canada is also working with G7 partners to "build and maintain a sanctions regime to punish Russia for its aggression."

"In English, we have a phrase, 'We stand behind you.' This phrase means we are your loyal friends and we provide support, but it also has another meaning: it means that you are at the front, facing the enemy, and we stand behind you. Your sons and daughters face danger every day, ours do not; your homes are targeted by missiles, ours are not; your land is occupied, ours is not; your children are abducted, while our children are safe at home," he said.

"Time to wake up and act": Greg Fergus on the risks of a major war for global democracies

Fergus believes that Ukraine's fight is a fight for the democratic values of the entire world. He expressed concern that the international community does not fully grasp the scale of the threat posed by Russian aggression, not only to Ukraine but also to global security.

"When you defend your country, as you do every day and night, you are not only fighting for your own freedom, you are doing so to prevent it from being stolen from us. You are on the front lines, you are defending democratic civilization, you are holding back tyranny. Every night, Ukrainians wake up to the sounds of sirens, missiles, and destruction, and despite what the morning brings—something that could be tragic and grim—you rise and return to your fight. But we, your friends far from the front lines, are safe. We hear no explosions, we do not lie awake worrying about our sons and daughters on the battlefield. We sleep, but should we?" he asked rhetorically.

The politician emphasized that he came to Ukraine to speak the truth.

"I came to Ukraine at your invitation, and I chose to speak the truth as I see it. And those of us who stand behind you must take a step forward. We must do more—much more—to ensure Ukraine's complete victory, for Ukraine and for our own countries," he stated.

Fergus also called on the international community to increase its support for Ukraine, stressing that failing to provide help today could lead to even greater losses in the future.

"Perhaps it's time for us to wake up? I do not want any soul in any country—mine or yours—to wake up to the sound of sirens or bombs, but I think it is time for more of us to wake up to the sound of our consciousness, our conscience. So that we never suffer what Ukraine suffers, so that we do not face that 'tomorrow,' we owe you much. We are indebted to you, and we hope and strive for your victory," he added.

According to him, the security of the entire world directly depends on the security of Ukraine, as Russia aims to destroy the very concept of democracy.

"Whose borders are sacred if not Ukraine's? Whose children should be safe in their own homes if not Ukrainians? Whose nights should be quiet and days bright if not Ukrainians? Who is free if Ukraine is not free? And my answer is: no one. No one is safe, no one is free if Ukraine is not safe and free. We are not safe or free either," the Speaker emphasized.

In Fergus' view, the failure to provide adequate support to Ukraine today will lead to far greater costs in the future.

"Our sense of duty and gratitude to Ukraine should be enough reason to support you, but if that’s not enough, then we must start waking up and understanding that this looming danger could become our own. We must start acting! I say to all my fellow citizens and friends of Ukraine: 'It’s time to wake up!' Freedom has a price, and we must pay it. Those who don’t will lose it," he concluded.

• On September 25, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly to discuss countering Russian disinformation and the Ukrainian Peace Formula.