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The Russian invasion of Ukraine is the biggest humanitarian and refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. The free world is not standing idly by while it happens—and neither is the CLAC Foundation.
The Foundation is joining dozens of other unions, thousands of nonprofits, and tens of thousands of Canadians in providing aid to our beleaguered friends in Ukraine, who continue to suffer after weeks of needless and devastating war brought on by Vladimir Putin.
Through the World Organization of Workers, of which CLAC is a member, the Foundation has donated $25,000 directly to one of CLAC’s sister unions, All-Ukrainian Union of Workers Solidarity (VOLYA). They will use the funds to support their members with food, medicine, and warm clothing, as well as transportation for those who need to escape to neighbouring countries, as almost three million Ukrainians have already done.
“We want to stand in solidarity with Ukraine,” says Robyn Haarsma, CLAC Foundation president. “We condemn the unprovoked Russian aggression and are providing funds for desperately needed supplies.”
WOW has also come out strongly against the war, saying its members offer “their sincere support to and deep solidarity with" its colleagues in Ukraine. “We further express solidarity to all Ukrainian citizens affected by this terrible conflict, and we wish them a lot of strength and wisdom in these volatile times,” the organization said in a post on their website.
European trade unions have also stepped up to support Ukraine. Many are condemning the war, collecting funds, sending supplies, supporting refugees, refusing to unload Russian ships, boycotting Russian goods, and urging governments to open their borders further to Ukrainians.
The Canadian government, along with its allies, is supporting Ukraine by providing growing military aid, imposing significant and increasing sanctions on Russia, and addressing the emerging humanitarian crisis in the region. Canada is also increasing its military presence in Europe to support NATO Allies and reinforce NATO's eastern flank.
