Quebec elected officials observed a minute of silence Thursday, after condemning the armed aggression of Ukraine by Russia on the eve of the first anniversary of the war.
The National Assembly adopted a motion reaffirming “the inalienable right of the Ukrainian people to their territorial integrity”. It was tabled by the solidarity deputy Vincent Marissal, with Prime Minister François Legault, the Liberal Party of Quebec and the Parti Québécois.
Mr. Marissal said he was worried about the stalemate in the conflict, while welcoming the resistance of the Ukrainians. Members of this community were also present in the stands of the Blue Room. Moved, they stood up and were warmly applauded by the elected officials.
Earlier, before entering the House, François Legault said he spoke with Ukrainians hosted in Quebec. He notably met the parents of little Maria Legenkovska, the little girl mowed down by a driver last December in Montreal. “We have all been affected in Quebec,” he said.
The Premier of Quebec stressed that he wholeheartedly supports the members of the Ukrainian community. The actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin must be denounced, he argued, wearing a pin in the colors of Ukraine. “And everyone has to be behind the Ukrainians until it’s over. »
In the meantime, the Prime Minister said that it was possible to provide “all kinds of help” to these people, without giving more details. “We will continue to welcome them. »
“You are also fighting for us”
In this motion, the National Assembly also welcomed on Quebec soil “all Ukrainian men and women temporarily displaced, while asking the governments of Quebec and Canada to do everything in their power to facilitate their arrival in country “.
She also denounced the “acts of a genocidal nature committed against the Ukrainian people which have been reported in the media”.
Mr. Legault underlined the courage of those who are currently paying the ultimate price to defend their freedom. “We are talking about thousands of deaths, soldiers, but also civilians, also children,” he said.
“You are also fighting for us, for our freedom, at the same time,” he added.
An “unfortunate outcome” of the conflict would undoubtedly have serious repercussions on the daily lives of Quebecers, added Liberal MP Michelle Setlakwe. It is important not to get used to war, not to accept it, not to forget it, she stressed, recalling the words of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “The gesture of solidarity that we are making today in favor of Ukraine, a year after it was attacked, helps to ensure that we do not fall into this trap. »
Mr. Zelensky is a “great leader”, for his part supported François Legault. “We are proud of him. »