Yvan Baker, MP
To commemorate and celebrate #Vyshyvanka Day, as Chair of the Canada Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group, I organized an all-party photo in the House of Commons.
I have been celebrating Vyshyvanka Day for many years, wearing the Vyshyvanka (the embroidered shirt) that was made for me by my grandparents, Olena and Ivan.
For Ukrainians, the embroidered shirt is not just a garment but a sacred emblem of Ukrainian culture, tradition, and history since ancient times. The embroidery tradition has been passed on from generation to generation, as well as the spirit of freedom, courage, and bravery. Today as Ukraine faces Russian genocide, people around the world wear a Ukrainian embroidered shirt to show support for their fight for freedom and independence.
Since the beginning of Russia’s brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the people of Ukraine have shown their fearless and incredible spirit of self-determination. Let us continue to honour them by doing everything possible to support the Ukrainian people until they win – until we all win.
Thank you to all the parliamentarians, Ukraine’s ambassador to Canada, embassy staff, and the President and CEO of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress for participating in this photo and proudly wearing their Vyshyvankas in the House.
On this Vyshyvanka Day, I reaffirm my pledge to continue to advocate that Canada does all it can to support the Ukrainian people until Ukraine decisively wins the war.
Slava Ukraini!
Photo: Yvan Baker, MP
