Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development

Comité permanent des affaires étrangères et du développement international

For immediate release

Warsaw, February 28, 2023 -

In Warsaw, the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development heard the perspective of one of Canada’s allies most affected by Russia’s war against Ukraine. The delegation also examined Poland’s crucial role in Eastern Europe and explored priorities for further enhancing Canada's transatlantic cooperation with the country.

Throughout its visit, the delegation has been particularly impressed with the generous response the Polish state and its citizens have demonstrated towards Ukrainians displaced by Russia’s flagrant violence. Millions of Ukrainians have been welcomed by Poland over the course of the last year. They have been provided direct access to Poland's labour market and its social and medical services.

The delegation was also struck by the resilience of Ukrainians who have been forced to leave and rebuild their lives among their neighbours, before they can return to their country. That determination was evident when the delegation visited a local childcare and educational centre, as well as a residential facility.

Overall, the delegation’s meetings with a range of interlocutors in Poland have underscored the mutual objectives and sentiments Canada and Poland share with respect to Ukraine. Both countries share a strong desire for a sovereign and secure Ukraine free of Russian occupation. Both also want to ensure that the people suffering most from the devastation - within and beyond Ukraine - are cared for. Given the scale of the humanitarian needs, and the enormity of the requisite recovery and reconstruction efforts that lie ahead, the delegation believes that our two countries will continue to forge a critical bond of solidarity with Ukraine.