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B OPINION CANADA WILL STAND WITH UKRAINE AS LONG AS IT TAKES SUPPORT WILL CONTINUE AS LONG AS WAR DOES, WRITES ANITA ANAND On Jan. 18, I visited Ky- iv, Ukraine's storied capital city. Ukraine is a country not unlike our own. Our na- tions both endure frigid winters and are home to roughly 40 million on Deopie. However, Ukraii do not enjoy the same ne peace and security to which we ate accustomed as as Canadi. ans. Since the beginning of Russia's illegal and unjus- tifiable invasion, Canada has committed over $5 bil- lion in combined military, economic, and humanitari- ANITA ANAND Column in aid. This includes our recent crucial donation ofa National Advanced Sur- e-to-Air Missile System inet Ukraine urgently re- quested. In Kyiv, I announced an additional donation of 200 personnel carri- ers aoe etaned by Rosh- el in Mississauga — which employs approximately 80 Ukrainians who have come to Canada and are now building the vehicles that krainian troops will use to defend their homeland. These vehicles allow for e safe transport of per- sonnel and equipment, and medical evacuations. They allow soldiers to detect threats early, and their ar- will help shield to0p8 da is recognized as a way in the training of Ukraine's Armed Forces. Canada's training mission, Operation UNIFIER, has trained over 35,000 Ukrai- nian troops with the skills they need to defend their nation. An RCAF detachment based in Prestwick, Scot- land, is also frequently de- livering i und military aid donated by Canada and its allie: Our aid, combined with a support — and most iportantly, the bravery and < courage of Ukrainian ‘roops — is making a sub- stantive difference. Ukraine has regained sig- nificant swaths of previ- ously occupied territory, and I am confident that Ukraine will continue to fight and win this war. Canada does not exist in tance ofaid to Ukraine, and the need to equip our mil- itary with greater capabili- ties to defend Canada in a changing world. With procurements like the F-35 fighter acquisition that I recently announced, we will ensure that our wn Armed Forces have thet tools that they need. Supporting Ukraine is not just the right thing to do; it is at the core of our national interests. As I re- affirmed to Ukrainian offi- cials throughout my visit, we will stand with Ukr for as long as it takes for Ukraine to be free. A STRONGER VOICE We recognize that diversity is the strength of our communities and we are inviting you to share your voice in our publications. INSIDEHALTON.COM/COMMUNITYDIVERSITY Anita Anand is the member of parliament for Oakville and the Minister of National Defence. SI can be reached at ani- ta.anand@par!.gc.ca. SIGN UP FOR UR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER AT INSIDEHALTON.COM GIVEOakville 2022 raised $686,000 for Local Impact. for your support! Jal Community Partner Ra To learn more visit www.giveoakville.com oakville «; coGeco onus foundation £202 ‘92 Arenuer ‘Kepsuny, | Jeaeeg emlayeo | 2 woo-uoyeyepisul