That deep breath and exhale of relief was loud here in Canada this morning too, Viktor. I am glad it could be heard around the world because we are all in this together.
We are united this morning, and to be fair, we will be honored to be forever united with such incredible, respectful and wonderful country like Canada. You are a real inspiration for all of us and even more today, dear Julie. Thank you! 🇺🇦🇨🇦
It’s heartwarming to know that our solidarity as Canadians standing against Trump is having an effect in other countries too! As a Canadian my solidarity is with all those fighting fascism, and especially with those most burdened by it : in Ukraine, Gaza and in other places where freedom is threatened and people’s actual lives are threatened daily!
I’m crying and not sure if I can stop. This is so touching. (I’m in the US but I would NEVER wear a red hat. Thank you. We are praying for you over here.
Thank you so much dear Janet. This is just the beginning, his defeat north of the border is the beginning of his fall south too. Canada just showed everyone of us that his end is near and, more important that everything, possible. 🇺🇦🇺🇸🇨🇦
He can’t because we believe in what our country was & what it can be again. We believe in the people who are standing beside us, marching with us, protesting with us & eventually voting with us.
I find myself in tears at this moment as well. And yes, from all that we are, thank you Canada. We love you, we love Ukraine and we love the US. That is why we are fighting so hard to preserve our democracy. 🇨🇦🇮🇨🇺🇸
Thank you, Victor, for your beautiful tribute to Canada. They deserve every word of it. Here in the USA so many of us are trying, in whatever way we can, to get back on the path where we belong. Thank you, Canada,🇨🇦 for supporting Ukraine 🇺🇦, as so many of us truly do.
In Canada we are the opposite of the US. Red is the colour of our Liberals (similar to your Democrats)--think maple leaves--, and blue is the colour for the Cons (like your Republicans).
Colour choice is interesting ... over here in Aotearoa New Zealand the political colours are reversed. Blue is for the current awful government for the rich, red is for Labour and standing up for our rights and a fair deal for those less well off. I suppose green is the only universal representation, one of taking care of our world?
Same here in Canada. Like you, we are opposite colors to the USA's equivalent parties. It's odd since we are so integrated in many things and inundated with their media. MAGA control of the media almost cost us our country but sanity prevailed. Now we stand on guard double time. That was too close and there's still a path ahead before we're out of the woods.
Similar in Canada. Blue for Cons, Red for Liberals, plus Orange, and Greens. If CANZUK ever becomes a thing while we're different we'll still have so many similarities it'll be a bit weird. We all started with a different Start-your-own-Commonwealth-country-kit but ended up near the same place.
Absolutely Tom! Red is also the color of defiance, of courage, there are so many beautiful meanings, and that's one more reason for us to despise that evil man of the red hat (soon we will rescue red and restore it!)
let's restore the colours and their meaning away from those that can only ruin this world. During the Convoy assault they tried to take our own flag away from us and we had about enough of that. This election, barely it's not a majority, by the skin of our teeth we took our country and flag back. Feel free to wear red against tyranny. North strong and free.
Come to Nova Scotia. We are kind. But even in cities like Vancouver and Toronto you will be served with courtesy. You may get bumped in their crowded streets but at least most of us will say "I'm sorry" 😃
This is what I wanted to say, as well. I'm just now reading it this morning, and I can't seem to stop crying myself. Viktor has a way with writing that really gets to the heart of the matter. ❤️
Every one has the right to choose how to let this crisis destroy their dreams for the future! People’s lives are being turned upside down by people who chose not to believe Trump could be a sick minded person and if he was …their representatives would fix it !
Sadly they would rather let Democracy Die than admit they were sold a lemon by the huckster from hell! I have no place to go nor will ! If anyone is going it’s the ones who belong in jail! I am not demeaning those who feel they must go. I know judging is wrong. I can’t walk in their shoes. At 82 years old I have slight memories of the dancing in the streets after Germany surrendered! My Dad came home a sad and almost unrecognizable. I was nearly 4. I was too young to understand his story of trauma. No Pop I’ll not leave. Not after what happened to you and all the others ! This excuse for a human will not win and I will live to see it!!! Crippled with arthritis and slowed down by AFib I will do my part ! You Poppa didn’t come home a sad and broken man for me to just up and go. Pop was Hungarian of German descent Naturalized American Citizen! He came here just before WW1 an 11 month old child.
I don’t even want to wear red anymore, period. My red state recently changed their license plates to be all red with white letters. I will never put those on a vehicle (I can choose to pay a little extra for say, a protect wildlife license plate, etc.), should I ever need a new plate.
Ukrainians were the founders of Canada’s western provinces. Ukrainian heritage is part of Canada’s heart and soul. Thank you for this post. We love Ukraine🇨🇦🇺🇦💙💛
Dear Georgette, I regret so much to have skipped this information, you are totally right. I have heard about that so many times and also about the biggest pysanka in the entire world, if I'm not forgetting, in the central provinces like Manitoba or Alberta. Sending love to Canada! J'envoié amour au Canada (please don't pay attention to grammar, only consider the bilingual attempt to match your streets and signs!) 🇨🇦🇺🇦
And our Chrystia Freeland, Canadian of Ukraine heritage, is a respected member of our new federal government. She was re-elected. She speaks Ukrainian and Russian, is the author of Plutocrats, is one of the most amazing women in Canada. She is on the Liberal team that will help keep our focus on Ukraine's struggle which is democracy's struggle.
I think she’s amazing just for being a woman in politics. Don’t forget she was the one that ultimately brought down Justin, and she was the one that got the new NAFTA deal negotiated with Trump. Even though he is currently trashing it. I don’t particularly like her all that much but she has accomplishments as well as issues.
Actually, it was Rota, speaker of the house that invited Hunka. He said he was unaware of Rota's ties to nazi's, although I do believe that he definitely needed to be properly vetted.
Again, the history here is far more complicated than you have stated. Ukrainian Resistance in WWII did not embrace Nazi principles, they simply turned to anyone who would join them in fighting back against Russia. It was a terrible choice, but they were between a rock and a hard place!
He was not a Nazi, neither was he a war criminal, and Freeland did not bring him. If you support Palestine, then you should know better than to repeat malicious lying propaganda.
Exactly. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad Pierre didn't get in and I do like Mark Carney... but there have been many issues with Chrystia Freeland over the years and claiming that she's one of the most amazing women in this country is extremely ill-informed.
Whoa!!! Watch out, as this issue was far more complex than was reported in the media. In WWII the Ukrainian Resistance did partner with the Germans, the Nazi's, to fight back against the Russians (sound familiar?), who were waging an horrific campaign against Ukraine. It was a case of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend". It was NOT that Ukraine embraced the "principles" of the Nazi party. In vilifying WWII Ukrainian Resistance fighters, and in failing to explain this terrible situation to the Canadian public, the media utterly failed us. Note that Putin is using this same history to justify his invasion of Ukraine. If you want to help Ukraine, and the world, get your history straight.
Not confused at all, thankyou. You omit the salient detail to THIS discussion, which is that Putin used anti-Nazi sentiment as an excuse for "liberating" areas of Ukraine. Pure fiction. And just by the way, the "brightest of red lines" was just that ONLY to Putin. No reason to object to Ukraine being a NATO ally unless you plan to wage war against Ukraine.
Every year since 2016, the Royal Canadian Mint issues a Pysanka silver coin in the shape of an egg and decorated in Ukrainian egg painting art to commemorate the yearly Pysanka. The proceeds go to Ukrainian aid.
We plan to visit Ontario this summer . Can you tell me where I can get this coin? My husband's family is Ukrainian and Polish. This would mean a lot to him, especially as it benefits Ukraine.
It appears to be sold out for 2025 - you can normally find them at www.mint.ca - some of our postal offices also have coin collections maybe pop into a Canada Post when you’re up visiting this summer.
The biggest pysanka is in Vegreville, Alberta. I live near there. 😊
It was very important for Canada to bring in the Liberal government again. Not only to help ourselves by showing trump what we thought of the 51st state idea, but to also be able to still support Ukraine. Thank you for your writing. I do not believe we realized how much we affected the world with our election. I am so happy we can still support Ukraine.
I lived in central Alberta for 30 years in the heart of the Ukrainian community. Both myself and my husband worked in the town of Vegreville which indeed does have the largest pysanka in the world (it is quite famous). We lived 5 minutes from the Ukrainian Cultural Village which is an outdoor museum for tourists and locals to visit and learn about Ukrainian culture. I made many Ukrainian friends during my time in Alberta. Canada will always support the Ukraine.
I lived in central Alberta for 30 years in the heart of the Ukrainian community. Both myself and my husband worked in the town of Vegreville which indeed does have the largest pysanka in the world (it is quite famous). We lived 5 minutes from the Ukrainian Cultural Village which is an outdoor museum for tourists and locals to visit and learn about Ukrainian culture. I made many Ukrainian friends during my time in Alberta. Canada will always support the Ukraine.
I worked with my local liberal team to win with honesty and integrity. We all knew that the results of this election would affect so much more than Canada 🇨🇦.
The Conservatives had voted against helping Ukraine 🇺🇦 and repeated all the evil talking points that Trump said. The Liberals ALWAYS supported Ukraine and planned to help more if elected.
We went into this knowing that if Canadians failed in this Ukraine would suffer more. Most Canadians didn’t really think beyond our fight with Trump, but those of us that have a world view knew the international stakes being decided.
Thank you for remembering Ukraine, dear Susan. Remembering us and considering foreign matters at the time of your elections is a sign of the highest character from Canada as a nation and as people, you know, it would be so easy to be lost in your own problems such as the housing crisis or the rising cost of living, things that I'm aware that are being a huge challenge for millions of Canadians, and it's remarkable that you're still thinking about Ukraine. Soon Trump will be a footnote in history, and this process started just now in your nation. Be forever proud of that! 🇨🇦🇺🇦
It is Canadians view, across party lines, that Ukraine is a country holding the line of democracy for all of us. That any country can face the same fate and that we MUST support Ukraine if we defend democracy. Our federal debate of candidates includes foreign aid and support of Ukraine. It was forefront in voters minds. We elected a party that guarantees ongoing support to Ukraine!
Thank you Susan (and Victor!). You’ve voiced my thoughts and feelings exactly. I live in a blessed and fairly affluent and educated BC border community where yesterday we elected a Liberal over a repeat incumbent Conservative. The swing towards sanity and yes international vision, integrity and hope, were demonstrated here at the local level. I’m glad I was part of that.🇨🇦
Thank you so much dear Bob, you made history, and your participation on the right side of this current mess we are living will be remembered for many years to come... BC stands for British Columbia, right? What a privilege to live in such a beautiful part of your country and near such a fantastic city like Vancouver (where I have "travelled" so many times in Google Street View) .🇨🇦🇺🇦
Victor, I was born and brought up in Vancouver and now live in White Rock a seaside suburb. Vancouver was much smaller then (1954-74) and I had many Ukrainian friends in our multicultural neighbourhood. I value your culture, enjoy your foods and feel this tragedy your country is experiencing is terrible and unjust. Canadians care and support you! 🇺🇦
Thank you for your comment and your honesty, Les. I really agree with your point of view that the internal politics are under pressure of a network of dynamics (economical, social, public services included) that I will possibly never fully understand... maybe I naively made understand that liberal = against Trump, and conservative = for Trump. Things are never as simple as that. From my point of view in this corner of the world, however, I was afraid that the Conservatives could mean a strengthening to the international movement that Trump is part of (because it does not seem he's isolated on his project), and it's natural for him to expand his extremist ideas to the places immediately located by his border. Thankfully that will not happen, at least for now! Sending my love to Canada! 🇨🇦🇺🇦
I think what Les was trying to convey was that even many of our Canadians voting Conservatives do not necessarily support Trump or withdrawing support from Ukraine. The Conservative Party didn’t truly reveal their agenda to many Canadians, they partially keep a mask over some of their evil. They simply bought into the idea of change, because they are struggling. Some of course knew but not all. Politics are never simple.
I am an American, but I stand with Canada 🇨🇦 and Ukraine 🇺🇦 I’m sick and tired of the tyrant we are ashamed to call President. I voted for Kamala, so I’m not ashamed of my vote.But sad and ashamed for the 75 million citizens who voted for this convicted felon. I admire the leaders of your 2 countries, and I pray that someday our country will have a good leader like Zelenskyy, Trudeau, and Mark Carney. And Democracy can again be restored to the beleaguered UNITED STATES .
I'm with you, Susie. I've been ashamed to be an American for about three months now. Yes, there are some ways in which this country has never been great, but it's gotten so much worse under Trump. I kind of envy the Canadians, but I don't think I'd be considered worthy even to enter their borders as long as 47's the president of my country.
You’re definitely welcome to enter Canada and visit us here. We know many Americans voted for Kamala. The chance to visit us and be away from the unremitting lies of Trump for a time could be helpful for you.
However, I can’t guarantee that Trump won’t penalize Americans who Voss the border to visit Canada. He is capable of any injustice.🇨🇦
Thank you for being so gracious. ❤️ Yes, I voted for Harris, as did the majority of voters in my hometown of Nashville, TN - a pale blue dot in a deep red state.
There are many like you who don’t agree with POTUS47 but still must live there. It must be extremely trying. We don’t believe most Americans want to invade Canada. But, I feel for you and your situation 🇨🇦
Dearest Viktor, As a beleaguered American, I want to thank you for this uplifting post about Canada, our kind & beautiful neighbors. You are so right that Canadians have set such a fine standard for us. I’m so proud to be one of your subscribers. For my birthday this year, I decided to help independent journalists with a paid subscription. I chose you in March, & you have now paid me back immeasurably. Keep up the good work. With love from America to you in Ukraine.
Dearest B.B., I have no words to express how honored I feel for that, especially considering we have probably some of the best journalists of the world today writing here on Substack. When I started my journal here, I was already writing for almost one full year, and I really thought it was a step further on becoming a "real" or a "serious" writer. At first, I thought that I could somehow get inspiration from so many incredible people here, but I never ever imagined I could be among them. Never ever. And I still didn't understand well, dear friend. You are proud of being one of my subscribers, and let me tell you, this is the first time on my entire life I am proud of something I have ever done. Can you imagine that? I blamed myself so much along my life by my flaws, by my failures, that I hardly can recall of something I am really proud. I wished I could be a so much better husband, father, professional, partner, employee... and this Substack, believe me, is the first time I am feeling the pride I should have felt before in the other projects along my past. Self-thoughts aside, may you have a happy birthday, and thanks for your generosity in offering gifts in the date you should receiving them. All my love to you 💙💛🇨🇦🇺🇸
Yes PM Carney was unrepentant in his now proceeding separation from America. See his speech (introduced by his wife) from last night about 1 am.
Also the Conservative leader Poilievre lost his seat after 8 election wins (in his District in Ontario). He is still seeking to be opposition leader (he doesn't technically have to hold a House of Commons seat to lead them).
We congratulate and wish our Canadian neighbors well. And hope someday they will call us ally and friend again.
West Coast Canadian here. I am very relieved that Canadians made the right decision yesterday. Going forward, we need to learn from the U.S. and to not let our political differences divide our amazing country. Canada needs a unified nation to successfully protect and promote our demographic institutions and financial opportunities.
Thank you for your beautiful words. Thank you for pointing out the goodness and hope where you see it. Thank you for making the world a bit less dark with your words. <3
Thank you so much for your comment dear Anya. I'm sure Canada and Canadians are much more than the goodness and kindness I can see and feel. By the way, you reminded me of my sister Anna, who we call Anya as a nickname for those who are closer or from family. 💙💛
Absolutely! And that is curious, because nicknames are almost always made to show affection by being a shortened version of the name (Like Vik to Viktor), But Anya to Anna is an exception to this untold "rule," does not short anything, but it's still deeply affectionate!!💙
My god, Viktor. You were already my favorite correspondent on Substack, but this essay launched you into orbit. I have never in my long life read anything that moved me as much.
Because you feel like the son I never had, I’m hereby taking this opportunity to declare myself your second mother. Bless you and the people you love, my dear boy! 💙🌼💙🌼💙
Dear Catherine, your words are from such a kindness that you made me loose my own words to answer you in the way you deserve. Can you feel that? Hours ago I could find so many words to express my admiration for Canada and I am simply speechless for your message. The concept of "maternity", if we think a little deeper, is much more than having children, it's a mission, an energy, a commitment to the good, to the kind, to what makes life beautiful, wonderful. There's nothing more beautiful and pure in life than the connection between mother and son. And there's no need to be a mother and a son in the literal sense, because the beauty is in the energy involved. This energy, dear Catherine. The exactly energy you express here, and that I could never express how beautiful it is. And let me say that even though I had a mother, she was such a rigid person (in the style you could imagine of a Soviet mother) that we never talked about love. I raised in a home where the word "love" was never pronounced, even though I felt her love in her own way. But I missed that so much. And this Substack, I realize only now after your comment, is a way to connect myself with the definition of love I needed to be more comfortable when I was much younger, and that I couldn't really understand at its entirety even after getting married and having my own son. Sorry if I got a little confused! Bless you, love you! 💙💛
Thank you for your beautiful response, honey. I myself was raised by an abusive, unloving mother, so I can relate so well to your experience.
I believe that — especially as children —we all need to feel a deep emotional connection with others. I was fortunate to have a very loving grandmother, and I have no doubt that her support is the reason I have been able to live a relatively normal life. I truly believe that without my Gram’s love, I’d have ended up either dead or in prison.
You’re such a kind man, and it breaks my heart that you and your sweet family are going through the horror of this tragic situation. But please know that I think of you often, and I’m sending all my loving energy to you this morning!
I applaud the Canadians for standing up for their country. I do not know much about Mark Carney, but I hope he is a leader like Zelenskyy, not a scumbag criminal like we have in America.
"I don not know much about Mark Carney" is what most Canadians were thinking while voting for his party anyway.
We're finding out, however, as here on June 28th we're finding he's just a new face on the same corrupt, incompetent, and compromised government which made life more difficult for Canadians since 2015. And with the same levels of secrecy and paternalism.
This is such truth being said to the world of our beloved northern neighbor, Canada 🇨🇦. You are so correct over half of all Americans- I think even more than 70% of Americans love ❤️ our Canadian brothers. And yes!!
Thank you Canada 🇨🇦 for giving us courage, comfort, compassion to still
Keep going!! Democracy is living and Fascism is death.
Thank you Victor for spreading love and kindness and hope!!!!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your heart's understanding. We are very lucky to have what we have + also a brand new leader in Mark Carney who has a rare quality of guts, glory, grit, and grateful graciousness to share with Canada 🇨🇦 and the world...if we as Canadians can be an example to other peaceful people + countries, WELCOME ABOARD the PEACE TRAIN CARNEY CAR 🚗 😀
That deep breath and exhale of relief was loud here in Canada this morning too, Viktor. I am glad it could be heard around the world because we are all in this together.
United, we stand. For truth, equity and respect.
Elbows up. 🇨🇦
We are united this morning, and to be fair, we will be honored to be forever united with such incredible, respectful and wonderful country like Canada. You are a real inspiration for all of us and even more today, dear Julie. Thank you! 🇺🇦🇨🇦
I wish we could do more, Viktor, but at least this is something, a measure of hope.
Yes! Yes, it is. We heard it down here, too; thank you, Canada, for making the right decision. X-)
It’s heartwarming to know that our solidarity as Canadians standing against Trump is having an effect in other countries too! As a Canadian my solidarity is with all those fighting fascism, and especially with those most burdened by it : in Ukraine, Gaza and in other places where freedom is threatened and people’s actual lives are threatened daily!
I’m crying and not sure if I can stop. This is so touching. (I’m in the US but I would NEVER wear a red hat. Thank you. We are praying for you over here.
Thank you so much dear Janet. This is just the beginning, his defeat north of the border is the beginning of his fall south too. Canada just showed everyone of us that his end is near and, more important that everything, possible. 🇺🇦🇺🇸🇨🇦
From your mouth to God's ears, as the saying (prayer) goes. Thanks for your beautiful writings.
May it be so, soon! :)
I just hope he doesn't drag the rest of us in the U.S. down with him when he goes... X-P
He can’t because we believe in what our country was & what it can be again. We believe in the people who are standing beside us, marching with us, protesting with us & eventually voting with us.
We will always stand 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦with our friends Nancy. 🇨🇦🇺🇲
Amen! :D
I find myself in tears at this moment as well. And yes, from all that we are, thank you Canada. We love you, we love Ukraine and we love the US. That is why we are fighting so hard to preserve our democracy. 🇨🇦🇮🇨🇺🇸
I don't wear red anything anymore.
I have the same feeling friend, but I would make an exception if the cap was red but with a big flag of Canada on it!!! 🇨🇦
Red and white with a maple leaf! :D
I would wear that!
Thank you, Victor, for your beautiful tribute to Canada. They deserve every word of it. Here in the USA so many of us are trying, in whatever way we can, to get back on the path where we belong. Thank you, Canada,🇨🇦 for supporting Ukraine 🇺🇦, as so many of us truly do.
In Canada we are the opposite of the US. Red is the colour of our Liberals (similar to your Democrats)--think maple leaves--, and blue is the colour for the Cons (like your Republicans).
Colour choice is interesting ... over here in Aotearoa New Zealand the political colours are reversed. Blue is for the current awful government for the rich, red is for Labour and standing up for our rights and a fair deal for those less well off. I suppose green is the only universal representation, one of taking care of our world?
Same here in Canada. Like you, we are opposite colors to the USA's equivalent parties. It's odd since we are so integrated in many things and inundated with their media. MAGA control of the media almost cost us our country but sanity prevailed. Now we stand on guard double time. That was too close and there's still a path ahead before we're out of the woods.
In Canada red is Liberal and blue is the CONservatives
Similar in Canada. Blue for Cons, Red for Liberals, plus Orange, and Greens. If CANZUK ever becomes a thing while we're different we'll still have so many similarities it'll be a bit weird. We all started with a different Start-your-own-Commonwealth-country-kit but ended up near the same place.
But without the color red there is no Santa Claus. It’s not the color it’s the evil lurking beneath a red hat
Absolutely Tom! Red is also the color of defiance, of courage, there are so many beautiful meanings, and that's one more reason for us to despise that evil man of the red hat (soon we will rescue red and restore it!)
Very soon, I pray.
And there'd be no 🍁 we definitely can't have that.
Red (and white) is the colour of Canada
And Denmark, my grandfather's homeland 🇩🇰
let's restore the colours and their meaning away from those that can only ruin this world. During the Convoy assault they tried to take our own flag away from us and we had about enough of that. This election, barely it's not a majority, by the skin of our teeth we took our country and flag back. Feel free to wear red against tyranny. North strong and free.
"convoy assault". Good one.
I wear red shoes. They step in 🐕 shit.
Just make sure it has a white maple leaf on it!!
I want to be Canadian. I am embarrassed to be an American.
But thru the embarrassment, still fighting for the rule of law and our democracy.
The best fighting is done up close and personal. That way you can see the fear in their eyes as you ease the blade in....
Wish you were Canadian. Welcome!
C'mon up Buddy
❤️
Come to Nova Scotia. We are kind. But even in cities like Vancouver and Toronto you will be served with courtesy. You may get bumped in their crowded streets but at least most of us will say "I'm sorry" 😃
This is what I wanted to say, as well. I'm just now reading it this morning, and I can't seem to stop crying myself. Viktor has a way with writing that really gets to the heart of the matter. ❤️
Every one has the right to choose how to let this crisis destroy their dreams for the future! People’s lives are being turned upside down by people who chose not to believe Trump could be a sick minded person and if he was …their representatives would fix it !
Sadly they would rather let Democracy Die than admit they were sold a lemon by the huckster from hell! I have no place to go nor will ! If anyone is going it’s the ones who belong in jail! I am not demeaning those who feel they must go. I know judging is wrong. I can’t walk in their shoes. At 82 years old I have slight memories of the dancing in the streets after Germany surrendered! My Dad came home a sad and almost unrecognizable. I was nearly 4. I was too young to understand his story of trauma. No Pop I’ll not leave. Not after what happened to you and all the others ! This excuse for a human will not win and I will live to see it!!! Crippled with arthritis and slowed down by AFib I will do my part ! You Poppa didn’t come home a sad and broken man for me to just up and go. Pop was Hungarian of German descent Naturalized American Citizen! He came here just before WW1 an 11 month old child.
I don’t even want to wear red anymore, period. My red state recently changed their license plates to be all red with white letters. I will never put those on a vehicle (I can choose to pay a little extra for say, a protect wildlife license plate, etc.), should I ever need a new plate.
Take heart Pauline....just stick a maple leaf in that red and white motif and Bob's your Uncle!
😂
Ukrainians were the founders of Canada’s western provinces. Ukrainian heritage is part of Canada’s heart and soul. Thank you for this post. We love Ukraine🇨🇦🇺🇦💙💛
Dear Georgette, I regret so much to have skipped this information, you are totally right. I have heard about that so many times and also about the biggest pysanka in the entire world, if I'm not forgetting, in the central provinces like Manitoba or Alberta. Sending love to Canada! J'envoié amour au Canada (please don't pay attention to grammar, only consider the bilingual attempt to match your streets and signs!) 🇨🇦🇺🇦
And our Chrystia Freeland, Canadian of Ukraine heritage, is a respected member of our new federal government. She was re-elected. She speaks Ukrainian and Russian, is the author of Plutocrats, is one of the most amazing women in Canada. She is on the Liberal team that will help keep our focus on Ukraine's struggle which is democracy's struggle.
I think she’s amazing just for being a woman in politics. Don’t forget she was the one that ultimately brought down Justin, and she was the one that got the new NAFTA deal negotiated with Trump. Even though he is currently trashing it. I don’t particularly like her all that much but she has accomplishments as well as issues.
I wouldn't say at all that she's a respected MP, nor is she an amazing woman... but yes, she is Ukranian and was re-elected.
Actually, it was Rota, speaker of the house that invited Hunka. He said he was unaware of Rota's ties to nazi's, although I do believe that he definitely needed to be properly vetted.
Again, the history here is far more complicated than you have stated. Ukrainian Resistance in WWII did not embrace Nazi principles, they simply turned to anyone who would join them in fighting back against Russia. It was a terrible choice, but they were between a rock and a hard place!
He was not a Nazi, neither was he a war criminal, and Freeland did not bring him. If you support Palestine, then you should know better than to repeat malicious lying propaganda.
https://aihps.substack.com/p/slander-shakes-everything-and-shakes
Exactly. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad Pierre didn't get in and I do like Mark Carney... but there have been many issues with Chrystia Freeland over the years and claiming that she's one of the most amazing women in this country is extremely ill-informed.
Whoa!!! Watch out, as this issue was far more complex than was reported in the media. In WWII the Ukrainian Resistance did partner with the Germans, the Nazi's, to fight back against the Russians (sound familiar?), who were waging an horrific campaign against Ukraine. It was a case of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend". It was NOT that Ukraine embraced the "principles" of the Nazi party. In vilifying WWII Ukrainian Resistance fighters, and in failing to explain this terrible situation to the Canadian public, the media utterly failed us. Note that Putin is using this same history to justify his invasion of Ukraine. If you want to help Ukraine, and the world, get your history straight.
Not confused at all, thankyou. You omit the salient detail to THIS discussion, which is that Putin used anti-Nazi sentiment as an excuse for "liberating" areas of Ukraine. Pure fiction. And just by the way, the "brightest of red lines" was just that ONLY to Putin. No reason to object to Ukraine being a NATO ally unless you plan to wage war against Ukraine.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Soviet_resistance_by_the_Ukrainian_Insurgent_Army
Thankyou for calling me "delusional". That tells me all I need to know about your agenda.
Every year since 2016, the Royal Canadian Mint issues a Pysanka silver coin in the shape of an egg and decorated in Ukrainian egg painting art to commemorate the yearly Pysanka. The proceeds go to Ukrainian aid.
We plan to visit Ontario this summer . Can you tell me where I can get this coin? My husband's family is Ukrainian and Polish. This would mean a lot to him, especially as it benefits Ukraine.
It appears to be sold out for 2025 - you can normally find them at www.mint.ca - some of our postal offices also have coin collections maybe pop into a Canada Post when you’re up visiting this summer.
The biggest pysanka is in Vegreville, Alberta. I live near there. 😊
It was very important for Canada to bring in the Liberal government again. Not only to help ourselves by showing trump what we thought of the 51st state idea, but to also be able to still support Ukraine. Thank you for your writing. I do not believe we realized how much we affected the world with our election. I am so happy we can still support Ukraine.
Je vous envoie une tonne d'amour Viktor et vous souhaite tout le courage du monde. 🇺🇦💛💙Slava Ukraini!!
Au Canada, et au tour de mond, nous somme plus fort, tous ensemble. Slava Ukrani, et Vive Le Canada!
😂😂👍👍
I lived in central Alberta for 30 years in the heart of the Ukrainian community. Both myself and my husband worked in the town of Vegreville which indeed does have the largest pysanka in the world (it is quite famous). We lived 5 minutes from the Ukrainian Cultural Village which is an outdoor museum for tourists and locals to visit and learn about Ukrainian culture. I made many Ukrainian friends during my time in Alberta. Canada will always support the Ukraine.
It’s in the province of Alberta, in the town of Vegreville. https://s3.amazonaws.com/lws_lift/ayre_oxford/images/blog/1537539616_pysanka.jpg
I lived in central Alberta for 30 years in the heart of the Ukrainian community. Both myself and my husband worked in the town of Vegreville which indeed does have the largest pysanka in the world (it is quite famous). We lived 5 minutes from the Ukrainian Cultural Village which is an outdoor museum for tourists and locals to visit and learn about Ukrainian culture. I made many Ukrainian friends during my time in Alberta. Canada will always support the Ukraine.
I worked with my local liberal team to win with honesty and integrity. We all knew that the results of this election would affect so much more than Canada 🇨🇦.
The Conservatives had voted against helping Ukraine 🇺🇦 and repeated all the evil talking points that Trump said. The Liberals ALWAYS supported Ukraine and planned to help more if elected.
We went into this knowing that if Canadians failed in this Ukraine would suffer more. Most Canadians didn’t really think beyond our fight with Trump, but those of us that have a world view knew the international stakes being decided.
🇨🇦 💕🇺🇦
Thank you for remembering Ukraine, dear Susan. Remembering us and considering foreign matters at the time of your elections is a sign of the highest character from Canada as a nation and as people, you know, it would be so easy to be lost in your own problems such as the housing crisis or the rising cost of living, things that I'm aware that are being a huge challenge for millions of Canadians, and it's remarkable that you're still thinking about Ukraine. Soon Trump will be a footnote in history, and this process started just now in your nation. Be forever proud of that! 🇨🇦🇺🇦
It is Canadians view, across party lines, that Ukraine is a country holding the line of democracy for all of us. That any country can face the same fate and that we MUST support Ukraine if we defend democracy. Our federal debate of candidates includes foreign aid and support of Ukraine. It was forefront in voters minds. We elected a party that guarantees ongoing support to Ukraine!
Thank you Susan (and Victor!). You’ve voiced my thoughts and feelings exactly. I live in a blessed and fairly affluent and educated BC border community where yesterday we elected a Liberal over a repeat incumbent Conservative. The swing towards sanity and yes international vision, integrity and hope, were demonstrated here at the local level. I’m glad I was part of that.🇨🇦
🇺🇦☮️🤞
Thank you so much dear Bob, you made history, and your participation on the right side of this current mess we are living will be remembered for many years to come... BC stands for British Columbia, right? What a privilege to live in such a beautiful part of your country and near such a fantastic city like Vancouver (where I have "travelled" so many times in Google Street View) .🇨🇦🇺🇦
Victor, I was born and brought up in Vancouver and now live in White Rock a seaside suburb. Vancouver was much smaller then (1954-74) and I had many Ukrainian friends in our multicultural neighbourhood. I value your culture, enjoy your foods and feel this tragedy your country is experiencing is terrible and unjust. Canadians care and support you! 🇺🇦
Thank you for your comment and your honesty, Les. I really agree with your point of view that the internal politics are under pressure of a network of dynamics (economical, social, public services included) that I will possibly never fully understand... maybe I naively made understand that liberal = against Trump, and conservative = for Trump. Things are never as simple as that. From my point of view in this corner of the world, however, I was afraid that the Conservatives could mean a strengthening to the international movement that Trump is part of (because it does not seem he's isolated on his project), and it's natural for him to expand his extremist ideas to the places immediately located by his border. Thankfully that will not happen, at least for now! Sending my love to Canada! 🇨🇦🇺🇦
I think what Les was trying to convey was that even many of our Canadians voting Conservatives do not necessarily support Trump or withdrawing support from Ukraine. The Conservative Party didn’t truly reveal their agenda to many Canadians, they partially keep a mask over some of their evil. They simply bought into the idea of change, because they are struggling. Some of course knew but not all. Politics are never simple.
I am an American, but I stand with Canada 🇨🇦 and Ukraine 🇺🇦 I’m sick and tired of the tyrant we are ashamed to call President. I voted for Kamala, so I’m not ashamed of my vote.But sad and ashamed for the 75 million citizens who voted for this convicted felon. I admire the leaders of your 2 countries, and I pray that someday our country will have a good leader like Zelenskyy, Trudeau, and Mark Carney. And Democracy can again be restored to the beleaguered UNITED STATES .
I'm with you, Susie. I've been ashamed to be an American for about three months now. Yes, there are some ways in which this country has never been great, but it's gotten so much worse under Trump. I kind of envy the Canadians, but I don't think I'd be considered worthy even to enter their borders as long as 47's the president of my country.
You’re definitely welcome to enter Canada and visit us here. We know many Americans voted for Kamala. The chance to visit us and be away from the unremitting lies of Trump for a time could be helpful for you.
However, I can’t guarantee that Trump won’t penalize Americans who Voss the border to visit Canada. He is capable of any injustice.🇨🇦
Thank you for being so gracious. ❤️ Yes, I voted for Harris, as did the majority of voters in my hometown of Nashville, TN - a pale blue dot in a deep red state.
There are many like you who don’t agree with POTUS47 but still must live there. It must be extremely trying. We don’t believe most Americans want to invade Canada. But, I feel for you and your situation 🇨🇦
Amen!!!
Dearest Viktor, As a beleaguered American, I want to thank you for this uplifting post about Canada, our kind & beautiful neighbors. You are so right that Canadians have set such a fine standard for us. I’m so proud to be one of your subscribers. For my birthday this year, I decided to help independent journalists with a paid subscription. I chose you in March, & you have now paid me back immeasurably. Keep up the good work. With love from America to you in Ukraine.
Dearest B.B., I have no words to express how honored I feel for that, especially considering we have probably some of the best journalists of the world today writing here on Substack. When I started my journal here, I was already writing for almost one full year, and I really thought it was a step further on becoming a "real" or a "serious" writer. At first, I thought that I could somehow get inspiration from so many incredible people here, but I never ever imagined I could be among them. Never ever. And I still didn't understand well, dear friend. You are proud of being one of my subscribers, and let me tell you, this is the first time on my entire life I am proud of something I have ever done. Can you imagine that? I blamed myself so much along my life by my flaws, by my failures, that I hardly can recall of something I am really proud. I wished I could be a so much better husband, father, professional, partner, employee... and this Substack, believe me, is the first time I am feeling the pride I should have felt before in the other projects along my past. Self-thoughts aside, may you have a happy birthday, and thanks for your generosity in offering gifts in the date you should receiving them. All my love to you 💙💛🇨🇦🇺🇸
🥰
Yes PM Carney was unrepentant in his now proceeding separation from America. See his speech (introduced by his wife) from last night about 1 am.
Also the Conservative leader Poilievre lost his seat after 8 election wins (in his District in Ontario). He is still seeking to be opposition leader (he doesn't technically have to hold a House of Commons seat to lead them).
We congratulate and wish our Canadian neighbors well. And hope someday they will call us ally and friend again.
Thank you for your kindness! We wish you much love from Canada.
All possible love from Ukraine to Canada too, Thank you so much. Merci beaucoup! 🇨🇦🇺🇦
West Coast Canadian here. I am very relieved that Canadians made the right decision yesterday. Going forward, we need to learn from the U.S. and to not let our political differences divide our amazing country. Canada needs a unified nation to successfully protect and promote our demographic institutions and financial opportunities.
Thank you for your beautiful words. Thank you for pointing out the goodness and hope where you see it. Thank you for making the world a bit less dark with your words. <3
Thank you so much for your comment dear Anya. I'm sure Canada and Canadians are much more than the goodness and kindness I can see and feel. By the way, you reminded me of my sister Anna, who we call Anya as a nickname for those who are closer or from family. 💙💛
That's wonderful! Thank you for sharing! It's wonderful to find those connection points across oceans!
Absolutely! And that is curious, because nicknames are almost always made to show affection by being a shortened version of the name (Like Vik to Viktor), But Anya to Anna is an exception to this untold "rule," does not short anything, but it's still deeply affectionate!!💙
My god, Viktor. You were already my favorite correspondent on Substack, but this essay launched you into orbit. I have never in my long life read anything that moved me as much.
Because you feel like the son I never had, I’m hereby taking this opportunity to declare myself your second mother. Bless you and the people you love, my dear boy! 💙🌼💙🌼💙
Dear Catherine, your words are from such a kindness that you made me loose my own words to answer you in the way you deserve. Can you feel that? Hours ago I could find so many words to express my admiration for Canada and I am simply speechless for your message. The concept of "maternity", if we think a little deeper, is much more than having children, it's a mission, an energy, a commitment to the good, to the kind, to what makes life beautiful, wonderful. There's nothing more beautiful and pure in life than the connection between mother and son. And there's no need to be a mother and a son in the literal sense, because the beauty is in the energy involved. This energy, dear Catherine. The exactly energy you express here, and that I could never express how beautiful it is. And let me say that even though I had a mother, she was such a rigid person (in the style you could imagine of a Soviet mother) that we never talked about love. I raised in a home where the word "love" was never pronounced, even though I felt her love in her own way. But I missed that so much. And this Substack, I realize only now after your comment, is a way to connect myself with the definition of love I needed to be more comfortable when I was much younger, and that I couldn't really understand at its entirety even after getting married and having my own son. Sorry if I got a little confused! Bless you, love you! 💙💛
Thank you for your beautiful response, honey. I myself was raised by an abusive, unloving mother, so I can relate so well to your experience.
I believe that — especially as children —we all need to feel a deep emotional connection with others. I was fortunate to have a very loving grandmother, and I have no doubt that her support is the reason I have been able to live a relatively normal life. I truly believe that without my Gram’s love, I’d have ended up either dead or in prison.
You’re such a kind man, and it breaks my heart that you and your sweet family are going through the horror of this tragic situation. But please know that I think of you often, and I’m sending all my loving energy to you this morning!
I totally agree with you Catherine. I felt the same way.
Oh dear heart. As a Canadian thank you for every word straight and true. 🌹
Slava Ukraini
I applaud the Canadians for standing up for their country. I do not know much about Mark Carney, but I hope he is a leader like Zelenskyy, not a scumbag criminal like we have in America.
"I don not know much about Mark Carney" is what most Canadians were thinking while voting for his party anyway.
We're finding out, however, as here on June 28th we're finding he's just a new face on the same corrupt, incompetent, and compromised government which made life more difficult for Canadians since 2015. And with the same levels of secrecy and paternalism.
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
This is such truth being said to the world of our beloved northern neighbor, Canada 🇨🇦. You are so correct over half of all Americans- I think even more than 70% of Americans love ❤️ our Canadian brothers. And yes!!
Thank you Canada 🇨🇦 for giving us courage, comfort, compassion to still
Keep going!! Democracy is living and Fascism is death.
Thank you Victor for spreading love and kindness and hope!!!!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your heart's understanding. We are very lucky to have what we have + also a brand new leader in Mark Carney who has a rare quality of guts, glory, grit, and grateful graciousness to share with Canada 🇨🇦 and the world...if we as Canadians can be an example to other peaceful people + countries, WELCOME ABOARD the PEACE TRAIN CARNEY CAR 🚗 😀