QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Support for Ukraine
December 2, 2025
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate. On June 4, 2025, I inquired of the previous Government Representative what Canada was doing to increase the numbers of Ukrainian children returned to Ukraine after having been stolen by Russia. I did not receive a satisfactory answer. So I ask once again: What more is Canada doing now that it has not done before to increase the numbers of stolen Ukrainian children returned from Russia? Can you provide examples of new funding or other concrete activities, not just more talk about how much of a problem this is?
Senator Kutcher, the short answer would be that Canada is doing everything it can to do that. Russia’s actions to forcibly transfer and deport Ukrainian children constitute a direct violation of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Canada recognizes.
As co-chair of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, the Government of Canada has taken numerous steps to bring Ukrainian children home, including the coordination of joint efforts of 45 countries and international organizations.
I know many other things have to be done. The Government of Canada is committed to be side by side with Ukraine to try to resolve this important crisis. But, again, the short answer is Canada is doing everything it can.
Thank you for that response, senator. I hope we don’t judge Canada by the kind of activity that it’s doing right now.
There are many Ukrainians who have been displaced by this war who are now living here, paying taxes, contributing to our civic and economic life. Some of them want to achieve permanent residency, or PR. They are an asset to Canada. The minister has the authority to open up a dedicated pathway should she wish to do so. Will she and, if so, when?
Unfortunately, I cannot comment on any potential future program. However, the government will continue to support Ukraine and Ukrainians. I will raise the question with the minister, but I am not aware of any upcoming program relevant to that specific question, senator.
I will point out that the Prime Minister of Canada is frequently talking with President Zelenskyy, and they are trying to do their best to help Ukrainians here in Canada and abroad.
