Ukrainian Internment Resolution Gains New Life in Manitoba

WINNIPEG, November 08, 2007 – Manitoba Liberals were pleased that the Manitoba Legislature's last day of session, has allowed the passage of an important resolution in regards to the Ukrainian Internment in Canada from 1914 -1920.

“The Liberals are pleased to be joined by the NDP and Tory caucus in support of this resolution,” Liberal Leader Dr. Jon Gerrard said. “The Ukrainian Internment in Canada during the First World War was an important part of our history that deserves public acknowledgement and the Ukrainian community has had a significant impact and role in shaping Canada.”

Resolution 11- Canadian Internment Camps, resolves that ‘the Government of Manitoba will consider supporting the Ukrainian Canadian community in developing forward-looking proposals that will help commemorate their historical experience and educate Canadians about their history in order to highlight and commemorate the contributions of the Ukrainian community to Canada; and to promote a cross-cultural understanding and shared sense of Canadian identity.’

“It’s always great when we can all put politics aside and work in favour of humanity,” Dr. Gerrard. “This is a big step in moving forward and recognizing a part of Canada’s dark history and ensuring that the mistakes of the past are never repeated.”

Under [Canada’s] War Measures Act, nearly 9,000 Canadians were interned, the vast majority of Ukrainian origin, between 1914 and 1920. The government sanctions also forced more than 88,000 Ukrainians who were not imprisoned to report regularly to the police.