Mr. Speaker, today many of us in this chamber wear a vyshyvanka, a symbol of Ukrainian heritage and resilience that has endured through some of history’s darkest moments. For Ukrainian Canadians, these embroidered shirts carry identity and the stories of generations who held on to their culture through hardship and persecution.
Canada is home to one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the world outside Ukraine. For more than a century, Ukrainian Canadians have helped shape our country. These roots also exist in my own family. My grandfather came from Ukraine after his family endured persecution under Stalin's regime. He came to Canada in search of freedom and opportunity, and he was always grateful to live in such a welcoming country that allowed him to give back to the next generations.
Today, as Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty and democracy, Canadians stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. To those celebrating, I wish them a happy Vyshyvanka Day.
Slava Ukraini.