Premier Ford Addresses the Ukraine Attack at the Legislature

Thursday, 24 February 2022 at 11:01

The Premier has called Russian President Vladimir Putin a despot and a thug as Russia has launched an all out attack on Ukraine.

Premier Doug Ford addressed the Ontario Legislature this morning condemning the attack on Ukraine. The Premier has called Russian President Vladimir Putin a despot and a thug.

Russia has launched a broad assault on Ukraine from three sides. At least 40 people have been killed and the attack started before dawn in the capital of Kyiv and other cities. Ukrainians are starting to flee major cities and Russian military have incapacitated all of Ukraine's air defences and air bases.

You can read the full transcript of Premier Fords remarks from today below:

There are certain dates that will be forever printed in our history books… dates that will be forever etched into our memories, June 28th, 1914 September 1st, 1939.
We must pray that February 24th, 2022, isn't next.
Last night, we witnessed a violent attack on a sovereign nation by a despot, a thug.
We witnessed Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression begin in Ukraine.
The bonds between Ukraine and Canada run deep.
For without the Ukrainian people.
Their resiliency.
Their bravery.
Their strength.
Their willingness to fight for their family and friends.
The Canada we know and love today, would not be the same.
The food that feeds our families.
It’s farmed by grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Ukrainian immigrants… who left aggression and poverty to settle the Canadian West.
Our greatest athletes, like Gretzky.
Our greatest entertainers… like Trebek.
Our greatest voices, like Bachman.
Our greatest scholars and scientists, like Dr. Bondar.
Ukrainian-Canadians.
We've cheered them on, we've laughed and sang along together, we've touched the heavens.
They left a permanent mark on Canadian history.
They left a permanent mark on our society.
For again, without Ukraine.
The Canada we know and love today, would not be the same.
And because of that.
We will be forever tied together.
As two nations.
An ocean apart.
But forever one.
Canada shall never waver in standing against tyranny.
Canada shall never waver in defending democracy.
Canada shall never waver in our support of Ukraine.
As Putin’s aggression light up the skies of Kiev.
They will see the strength of the Ukrainian people emerge from the darkness.
We must ensure the Ukrainian flag flies high above the skyline.
The blue and yellow must be the last colours the invaders see.
Slava Ukraini.
Glory to Ukraine.
Glory to the heroes.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.