The Yukon Party is applauding the territorial government’s work with the local Ukrainian community to welcome refugees to the territory.

“The introduction of the Ukraine Help Desk and the interpreter program at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport are examples of collaborative work with the Yukon’s Ukrainian community to ensure we can help those needing refuge and fleeing the large-scale, wholly unprovoked attack by Russia,” the official Opposition said today.

“Many Yukoners and Canadians have family or connections to the nation of Ukraine and, together, we have been shocked and angered by the overwhelming displacement of Ukrainians from their peaceful, stable democratic nation,” said party leader Currie Dixon.

“As Yukoners marked Ukraine Independence Day last week, it was reported that numerous Ukrainian-speaking Yukoners are acting as interpreters to greet and guide refugees arriving on weekly Condor flights, and eight refugees from the conflict have permanently settled in the territory to date with more to arrive soon,” Dixon said.

“That joint community and government effort is a credit to the hard work of government officials and residents, as we stand together to oppose the illegal and immoral acts in Europe.”

Last February, Porter Creek North MLA Geraldine Van Bibber wrote an open letter to encourage Economic Development Minister Ranj Pillai to ensure the territory and Yukoners are prepared to welcome any Ukrainian refugees.

“The minister indicated that they would work with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada to facilitate job matching of Ukrainian refugees with local employers,” the Yukon Party said.

“The welcome and co-operation with the local community has been a success as Yukoners continue our long tradition of receiving those in need.”

As Canadians, Dixon said, “we cannot become complacent while a full-scale invasion occurs in a democratic European country.

“Canada has undertaken many actions to support Ukraine, but we need to do more.

“I renew my calls for Canada to expel the Russian ambassador and to levy the strongest possible sanctions against Russia’s energy sector, as well as ensure Canada does our part to increase the supply of energy to our allies in Europe to displace their dependence on Russian energy.”

Last February, the Yukon Party called on Canada to live up to its NATO treaty obligations and support broad economic sanctions against Russia and Russian entities, and expel the Russian Ambassador to Canada.

In addition, the Ottawa Citizen and other newspapers across the country, including the Star, published an April commentary from Dixon outlining the need for adequate military power to defend Canada’s interests in the North.