The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

Speaker, one year ago we launched an urgent humanitarian mission to offer safe haven to Ukrainians facing the global threat of Russian aggression.

A Provincial Government team was dispatched to Poland, to meet Ukrainians fleeing the war and extend the opportunity of shelter on our shores.

This selfless work led to not one, but four Government of Newfoundland and Labrador-sponsored airlifts, bringing more than 700 Ukrainians to safety. An additional 1,600 Ukrainians have arrived independently to join a flourishing “community within a community” of over 2,300 Ukrainians in our province.

Speaker, last week I joined our team in Poland and met with Ukrainians. I can report that our province continues to be a destination of choice. Meetings also occurred with Polish officials and the Canadian Ambassador to Poland, where I thanked them for assisting with our mission and for the incredible work they are doing to serve humanity.

Speaker, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can take heart that their support made this possible. They opened their hearts and homes so that families can take refuge from the ravages of war, and become a part of our vibrant communities.

Ukrainian history is now our history, and our support is unwavering.

SLAVA UKRAINI!