As conflict ensues in Ukraine, Victoria city officials are taking a stand, voting to temporarily suspend ties with its twin city in Russia.
It’s a motion that left Ukrainian Canadian Congress Victoria branch president Devon Sereda Goldie “touched.”
“It’s something that I genuinely didn’t know existed. It’s just another incredible sign of solidarity from our local community,” Goldie told Victoria Buzz.
Thursday’s committee of the whole saw the motion brought forward by city councillors Stephen Andrew, Charlayne Thornton-Joe and Geoff Young.
The trio asked council to immediately suspend the twin city relationship with Khabarovsk, Russia, after that country’s president, Vladimir Putin, launched “a full-scale invasion of Ukraine” on February 24th.
“I think it sends a symbolic yet firm message to the Canadian-Ukrainian community and to Ukraine itself that we stand with them,” said Coun. Andrew.
“I feel that this is something we can do, that we should not be having a relationship with a city that is in a country that is involved in illegal invasion.”
Ukrainian Embassy in Ottawa asks @CityOfVictoria to cease our twin city relationship with Khabarovsk, Russia. See attached letter The Motion is on today’s committee of the whole agenda. #ANDREW2022 pic.twitter.com/SwMBEwBxfF
— Stephen Andrew (@Stephen_Andrew) March 3, 2022
Coun. Thornton-Joe echoed Andrew’s comments, saying the suspension “is important and makes sense.”
According to the city, it operates a twin city program as “a vehicle for wide-ranging interactions between people at all levels of society,” providing opportunities for locals “to experience other cultures through long-term community partnerships.”
In addition to Khabarovsk – a partnership established in 1990 – Victoria is also “twinning” with Napier, New Zealand; Suzhou, China; and Morioka, Japan.
Coun. Marianne Alto asked council to remember that not every Russian supports Putin, with many risking their lives denouncing him while protesting the war against Ukraine.
Council also approved Alto’s amendment to the motion that will see Victoria’s mayor write to Khabarovsk’s mayor, advising them of the twin city suspension, including the rationale behind it.
Another Stand with Ukraine rally set for Sunday:
The local Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) branch is gearing up to host another rally this weekend, together with the UVic Ukrainian Students’ Society and Victoria Ukrainian Cultural Centre.
It’s set for this Sunday, March 6th, and kicks off at 12:30 p.m.
“Join us in rallying in support of Ukraine and democracy! We will be lining Douglas Street from the Ukrainian Cultural Centre at 3277 Douglas Street all the way downtown!” stated organizers.
“Bring flags, signs, and other visible signs of your support for Ukraine!”
Last Sunday, large crowds gathered in solidarity on the lawn of BC’s Legislature. UCC Victoria president Devon Sereda Goldie described the rally as “impactful.”
“Everybody is really concerned; we’re hurting. To be able to gather together as a community is really special,” said Goldie.
