The province of Manitoba raised the Crimean Tatar flag in commemoration of the deportation of Crimean Tatars, joining the symbolic relay race initiated by the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada. The flag was hoisted in front of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba at dawn on May 17. It will flutter until sunset on May 18, the Day of Struggle for Crimean Tatars People's Rights.

‘It is something more than a symbol of proud and courageous people,’ says Andriy Shevchenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada. ‘For both - us and our Canadian friends, this ceremony is a humane and significant gesture of solidarity with the Crimean Tatars, who suffer from persecution by the occupying Russian authorities today.’

The initiative was supported by the Government of the Province of Manitoba, the local Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Canadian Association of Crimean Tatars.

Winnipeg continues the tradition established by the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada: each year on May 18, one of the Canadian cities raises a blue flag with a tamga to commemorate the deportation and show solidarity with the Crimean Tatars these days. In previous years, such ceremonies were held in Ottawa, Toronto and Edmonton.

Canada consistently pursues a policy of non-recognition of Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and urges Moscow to stop its oppression of the Crimean Tatar people.