Saskatchewan New Democrats are calling on the Government of Saskatchewan to maximize pressure on Russia and increase supports to urgently resettle Ukrainian refugees in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Following this story are the four points put forth by the N-D-P. That is part of what the Opposition Critic for Finance, Trent Wotherspoon (pictured), wants included as part of unified support from the province for the people of Ukraine.

“All options must be on the table,” says Wotherspoon. “This is not a time for political divisions or partisan politics. It’s this simple…this is about good versus evil.”

Wotherspoon adds that the N-D-P sent the Sask Party government a letter last week, asking to coordinate calls for the federal government to expedite the settlement process for those feeling violence in Ukraine and to provide expanded resources and support to settlement agencies supporting newcomers in Saskatchewan.

The official opposition is calling for:

— Saskatchewan trade offices, organizations like S-T-E-P, and missions to offer economic alternatives to nations reliant on Russian potash, grains and petroleum.
— Increased supports for refugee resettlement programs and continued calls for the Federal Government to expedite visa applications for those fleeing Ukraine.
— Join efforts to raise funds with the Canada-Ukraine Foundation by matching donations to help them reach their goal of five million dollars to provide assistance to Ukrainians in need and to address any further aggression by Russia.
— Expanding the mandate and membership of the Saskatchewan-Ukraine Relations Advisory Committee (S-U-R-A-C) to include members of the Legislative Assembly from both sides of the aisle.