moved for leave to introduce Bill C-203, An Act respecting Ukrainian Heritage Month.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce a bill called an act respecting Ukrainian heritage month. If passed, it would declare September of every year Ukrainian heritage month across Canada. I would like to thank the member for Etobicoke—Lakeshore for cosponsoring this bill with me, and I hope that members on all sides of the House support it.
The first Ukrainian immigrants to Canada came to Canada on September 7, 1891. Today, there are over 1.3 million Ukrainian Canadians, and they make important contributions every day from coast to coast to coast, in all the ridings represented here, that touch our political, economic, cultural and social life.
Canada was the first country to recognize Ukraine's independence in 1991. We have recognized the Holodomor as a genocide, and we continue to support the Ukrainian people in their fight for their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ukrainian heritage month would give us an opportunity to celebrate Ukrainian heritage, the role that Canada has played in supporting Ukrainian Canadians and the role that Ukrainian Canadians play here in Canada.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)