Honouring Ukrainian heritage means strengthening all of Canada. Bill S-210 has passed unanimously in the Senate. As Ukraine defends democracy, we must stand with it not only in words, but through action. Read more in my interview for Ukrinform here: www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polyt...

Today is World Mental Health Day. It serves as a reminder that mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being. Let’s continue to work toward building awareness, reducing stigma, and ensuring that everyone has access to the support and care they need.

It was with great pleasure that I rose in the Senate Chamber to deliver my third reading speech on Bill S-210, the Ukrainian Heritage Month Bill. The bill has officially passed in the Senate and will now move to the House of Commons.

I am pleased to announce that my bill, S-210, An Act Respecting Ukrainian Heritage Month, has passed third reading in the Senate today. I hope Bill S-210 progresses smoothly through the House of Commons and when passed, it will designate each September as Ukrainian Heritage Month across Canada.

Today, on National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, let us remember that we have to move forward together with compassion, clarity, purpose and courage. Working together to do what is necessary and is right - is our task.

I was honoured to join Senators Donna Dasko and Rebecca Patterson in hosting Ukrainian Heritage Day in the Senate of Canada. We celebrated Ukrainian culture as a symbol of resilience. Thank you to UCC and MEEST Canada for supporting this event.

It was a pleasure to meet with the Canadian Medical Association alongside some of my fellow health Senators. We had discussions about how to support Canadian physicians, and improving healthcare access for Canadians. I am grateful for the CMA’s ongoing leadership to advancing health nationwide.

Canada can step should Ministers Joly and Champagne choose to do so. Must double funding to TriCouncils and scholarships and create a by pathway for US researchers. We can do it, if we choose to.

I am honoured to receive the Order of Merit from President Zelenskyy for Ukraine’s Independence Day. This reflects the strong bond between Canada and Ukraine. I remain committed to supporting Ukraine. Read more: www.president.gov.ua/documents/61...

Let’s be clear: vaccines do not cause autism. This false claim has been thoroughly disproven by decades of research.  For some reason there are people who continue this lie, causing unfounded concern amongst parents who want to do the best for their children. @scienceupfirst.bsky.social

It was a privilege to meet with MEEST, a Canadian organization with (Ukrainian roots) over 30 years of experience. “Meest” means “bridge” in Ukrainian, and that’s exactly what they are: MEEST delivers tons of humanitarian aid, offers consistent support to Ukrainians.

Earlier this week, I asked the Government Representative of the Senate about how Canada will be promoting the Sky Shield Initiative to our allies, which will provide Ukrainian children the protection they need.

Today, on June 11, the Senate of Canada adopted my motion condemning all Russian attacks and interference targeting Ukrainian children and calls for all states part of the International coalition to return all Ukrainian children and protect them against Russian aggression.

On June 10, I gave notice to move a motion that the Senate of Canada condemns all Russian attacks and interference on the lives of Ukrainian children and calls for all states part of the International coalition to return all Ukrainian children and protect them against Russian aggression.

Yesterday, June 4, the world marks the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. 630 children were will by Russia in Ukraine since full-scale invasion. 19546 children deported/stolen by Russia.To commemorate this important day, I spoke at their awareness event on Parliament Hill.

A solemn gathering on Parliament Hill, gathered to remember the hundreds of Ukrainian children killed in war - and the thousands more, kidnapped and taken to Russia for “reeducation.” Among the speakers were my Senate colleague @stankutcher.sencanada.ca and Edmonton MP @heathermcpherson.bsky.social

Yesterday, I rose in the Senate Chamber to begin the 2nd reading of my Bill S-210, An Act respecting Ukrainian Heritage Month. Bill S-210 would declare September of every year as Ukrainian Heritage Month. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advocate for all Ukrainian Canadians.

Great news! 🎉 The S-210, Ukrainian Heritage Month Act, has officially been introduced in the Senate — a meaningful step toward recognizing and celebrating the rich contributions of Ukrainian Canadians! 🇺🇦

Yesterday, I rose in the Senate chamber to highlight the urgent need to combat neglected tropical diseases—21 treatable illnesses affecting 1 in 8 of the world’s most vulnerable. Canada has shown leadership before, and now is the time to do even more.

Tyranny

I shared 5 priorities Canada should focus on for Ukraine—from boosting defense (Denmark model, Sky Shield, frozen assets) to trade and humanitarian support. We must lead with purpose. 🇨🇦🇺🇦 Watch the full interview here: youtu.be/1bDT9JOJm8g

Vyshyvanka is the shirt of freedom — a symbol of Ukraine’s dignity, resilience, and beauty. Yesterday, on #VyshyvankaDay, we wear it for those who can’t: under fire, in occupation, or on the front lines. We stand with them. We believe in Ukraine’s victory. #Ukraine

I will be speaking at first Ukrainian Community Development Summit on May 31. Register using the link: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F... www.facebook.com/share/r/1AbH...

Yes. And his anti-vax actions have the potential to bring back epidemics and pandemics of infectious diseases, harming untold numbers of innocent people and destabilizing national and global security.

Canada’s democracy is under threat—from both Russian disinformation and a growing wave of Trump-aligned rhetoric echoing the Kremlin’s playbook. In our latest op-ed, Marcus Kolga and I explore how these converging narratives are designed to destabilize and divide. The time to act is now.

We’re independent senators. We’re non-partisan, critical thinkers who serve our communities and our provinces. We work together to improve bills – and we vote how we choose. We’re more diverse than ever, both in background and in expertise. (1)

Canada can help Ukraine now by using frozen Russian assets in our banks to help Ukraine with the means to win this war as quickly as possible.  There will not be peace in Ukraine nor peace in Europe if Russia is allowed to prevail.

This Easter, over 20,000 Ukrainian children are still missing. They are not celebrating with their families. They are far from home, forcibly taken by Russia. This is a tragedy no child should face. Their return is not a matter of politics — it is a moral and humanitarian imperative. #BringKidsBack

I believe we need special pathways to bring skilled professionals, like Dr. Sophia Halassy, back to Canada—people who can make a real difference in our communities and contribute to the prosperity of Canada. Read here: tinyurl.com/3753dcnr

I recently spoke with Brent Bambury on @cbcradio’s Day 6 about how Canada can attract top scientific talent as the U.S. faces growing uncertainty. Listen to it here 👇: www.cbc.ca/listen/live-....

April 7 marks World Health Day — a time to remember that every woman and newborn deserves high-quality care and the chance to thrive — because when mothers and babies are supported, entire communities grow stronger.

Some things there is no cure for

Link through your department

As he began speaking on the Senate floor Monday night, Cory Booker said that he intended to disrupt “the normal business of the Senate for as long as I am physically able,” citing his belief that “our nation is in crisis.” He wasn’t kidding. 🔗 www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...

Go Senator Go.

Wrote this recently. Time to up our research support game. Lift all boats and invite our cousins to join us.

Working on it

Calling USA biomedical researchers hilltimes-sencan.msappproxy.net/story/2025/0.... Canada is a great option if you’re watching your research enterprise and democracy implode. And top 5 in best places to live & quality of life: www.usnews.com/news/best-co.... And we like Greenland as well.

So appreciate you writing this, Sen Petitclerc, and thank you nofor posting it, Sen Simons. In addition to being inadequate, it's shameful that some provinces are benefitting by clawing back the $200/month. @cpetitclerc.bsky.social @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social @senindepend.bsky.social #cdnpoli

Absolutely unacceptable. That is we were advocating strongly and persistently. Please join us.

Without an independent COVID inquiry, we are doomed to ‘rinse and repeat’ past errors Unfortunately, it seems that for our political leaders and many amongst us, the preferred coping strategy is to forget COVID-19 as quickly as possible and move on healthydebate.ca/2025/03/topi...

Wonder what would happen if Canadians did the same. Beginning April 2? Then Mexico. Then Denmark and Panama. Then ……

A movement in France, backed by over 60%, is calling for a boycott of American brands like McDonald's Coca-Cola, Starbucks, Nike, KFC, Apple and Tesla in response to Trump's trade tariffs. #BoycottUSA is gaining track across social media.

The concept of “wellness”, itself a rather vague construction, was taken over by grifters decades ago. It’s become almost impossible for many to separate the wheat from the chaff. www.motherjones.com/environment/... and www.amazon.ca/Mind-Science...

#Measles in Canada: Where we're at and how we got here, w/ Dr. Ninh Tran, Dr. Lynora Saxinger www.cbc.ca/listen/live-... via @cbcnews.ca @casinoshiftmd.bsky.social #pediatrics #vaccination #disinformation

We welcome scholars, scientists, healthcare providers and all others who contribute to the health and wealth of Canada. That being said, our research funding, immigration services and healthcare investments need improvement. No time like the present to do it.

Where have you been while all the advocacy for exactly that has been happening

Did you read the article

Been pushing “double double”

Well. We’ve seen this before: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_l...