Madam Chair and members of the Standing Committee on International Trade, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today.
Hello. Dobry den.
As a farmer of Ukrainian heritage, I find the current incursion by Russia very sobering. My grandparents immigrated to Canada from Ukraine under eerily similar conditions in the 1920s, fleeing a genocide that began to be inflicted on the Ukrainian people and culture by orders from Moscow. It is very sad to watch it happen all over again. My grandparents would wonder if we've learned anything from history.
I recognize that the 2017 CUFTA is not an old document. However, given current circumstances, it is appropriate for this committee to study the agreement.
We have all witnessed the Russian scorched earth policy in the territory of eastern Ukraine. Normally at this time of year, Ukrainian farmers would begin to plant their crops. Instead, the farmers are working the land in a very different way—defending it, protecting it, offering safe passage to those who are fleeing, and towing a broad range of Russian military equipment away from their invaders.
I don't profess to be an expert on the ins and outs of this particular trade agreement. Early research shows that the trade of goods and services has risen for both countries. That sounds like a win.
Given the damage being inflicted upon Ukraine, this committee may wish to consider how best to support the Ukrainian economy. Unless the war ends within a few weeks, the Ukrainian crop will not be planted, likely placing millions at risk of food insecurity and shortages—in other words, another Holodomor. The starvation of the Ukrainian people in the 1930s is remembered by every descendant, and while the circumstances are somewhat different, the outcome could be equally devastating. It's mind-boggling that a country that was, only a few months ago, a net exporter of wheat, sunflowers and other agriculture products is now potentially facing famine.
I note, through the Canada-Ukraine trade and investment support project, that agriculture products are listed as one of the top commodities exported from Canada to Ukraine. Ukraine will need both short-term and long-term support. In the short term, emergency food will need to be provided directly to Ukraine and likely the surrounding countries for Ukrainian refugees. Food security is something that Canadians take for granted. Ukrainians have as well, yet today catastrophe seems imminent. In the long-term, Canada can and should, one, assist with agriculture equipment, seed and crop inputs; two, remove bottlenecks in the Canadian grain transportation system, with a focus on the port of Vancouver; and three, create an environment to establish nitrogen fertilizer manufacturing independence.
The Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association believes that this is how Canada can play a significant role in re-establishing a vibrant Ukrainian economy. Canada has the expertise. Given significant lead time, we will be able to assist with many of the needs of Ukraine as it suffers from the Russian invasion.
Thank you. Dyakuyu.