UCC survey: Most Canadians support boosting aid to Ukraine

The vast majority of Canadians support the government continuing and increasing its assistance to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, according to a survey conducted for the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) on Oct. 1–2.

Conducted by Abacus Data, the survey found that sixty-eight percent of respondents backed continuing aid, while 65 percent supported increasing the supply of military equipment and training for Ukrainian forces.

Canadians also favor tougher measures against Russia: Seventy-seven percent support stronger sanctions, and 70 percent back the confiscation of frozen Russian assets in Canada to fund Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction.

Strong support extends to humanitarian efforts as well. Some 69 percent of respondents favor creating more pathways for permanent residency for Ukrainians forced to flee their homeland due to the war.

Additionally, 78 percent of Canadians believe that Canada’s actions in Ukraine strengthen the country’s own security, including protecting the Arctic and supporting NATO allies.

“Russia is escalating its barbaric attacks on Ukraine and testing NATO’s resolve, flagrantly violating NATO airspace. Canadians are clear about their strong support of Ukraine and understand that helping Ukraine is in Canada’s interest,” said UCC President Alexandra Chyczij.

The UCC expressed gratitude to the Canadian government for its steadfast support and called on Canada to lead G7 and NATO efforts to increase aid to Ukraine, strengthen sanctions, and isolate Russia to prevent further threats to collective security.