'We will try to bring them here': Ukrainian families hope to bring loved ones to Victoria
The sounds of the Ukrainian national anthem soared through the air outside the B.C. legislature in Victoria on Monday, cutting through the rain.
The song was performed by Matthew Sedej, a classically trained violinist who was adopted from a Ukrainian orphanage by a Canadian couple 19 years ago.
“I would like to send out a message to all Ukrainians, that you're not alone,” said the 20-year-old.
That same message was sent from those same steps on Sunday, by folks showing their solidarity to the war-ravaged country and its people.
“Ukrainians are inspiring the world to stand up for what democracies mean,” said Ukrainian-Canadian Tamara Krawchenko, who spoke passionately at Sunday’s rally.
Victoria Grando, who runs Victoria's Ukrainian Cultural Centre was also at the rally. Her cousin and young family members live in Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital.
They have been forced to seek refuge in bomb shelters and in the basement of their apartment over the past several days as Russian missile attacks on the capital have intensified.
Grando spoke with her cousin Monday morning, who said she's planning to leave the country with her family, joining more than 500,000 Ukrainians who have fled already.
Her cousin’s son-in-law will stay and fight the Russians, she said.
“That’s absolutely devastating, just devastating,” said Grando.
Her cousin planned to leave Kyiv on Tuesday and head to Poland, hoping to eventually end up on Vancouver Island.
“We will try to bring them here,” said Grando.
Ottawa pledged to provide more military aid to Ukraine on Monday, and also to make it easier for Ukrainians to come to Canada.
“We have bolstered our presence in the region and are fast-tracking our immigration applications for Ukrainians who want to come to Canada,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“Ukraine is everyone,” said Krawchenko. “We can all be Ukrainians. We can all make the good fight.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.