In these critical times for global democracy, understanding where Canadian political parties stand on international issues is essential for informed voting. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) recently conducted a comprehensive survey of major political parties regarding their positions on supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. As Canadians prepare for upcoming elections, these positions could significantly influence Canada’s role on the world stage.
What the UCC Survey Reveals
The survey results offer fascinating insights into how Canada’s four major parties approach support for Ukraine. While there’s broad cross-party consensus on supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, important differences emerge in specific policy commitments:
Conservative Party
The Conservatives demonstrate robust commitment to Ukraine through concrete military and financial pledges. They’ve committed to reaching 2% of GDP for defense spending by 2030, donating surplus military equipment to Ukraine, and resuming the sharing of Radarsat-2 satellite imagery. They also support designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism and explicitly commit to seizing frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s benefit.
Liberal Party
The Liberals promise to exceed NATO defense spending targets before 2030 and maintain robust military support. They highlight their $5 billion contribution to the G7 ERA Loans mechanism and emphasize leading global efforts for the return of abducted Ukrainian children. The Liberals support working with allies on legal frameworks to repurpose frozen Russian assets but stop short of supporting the terrorism designation for Russia.
New Democratic Party (NDP)
The NDP commits to reaching 2% of GDP on defense spending and supports Ukraine, though with somewhat less specific military commitments than the Conservatives or Liberals. They place greater emphasis on humanitarian support, democratic reforms, and prosecuting Russian war crimes. The NDP advocates for seizing Russian assets and returning them to Ukraine and takes a middle ground on the terrorism designation question.
Green Party
The Greens stand apart as the only party not supporting an increase to 2% GDP in defense spending. They focus more on humanitarian aid and diplomatic solutions while opposing pipelines and fossil fuel extraction that other parties view as important for energy security. The Greens have not taken formal positions on some specific measures like diplomatic ties with Russia.
Key Policy Areas of Agreement and Difference
The UCC survey reveals several areas where parties largely agree:
- Supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity
- Providing pathways for displaced Ukrainians
- Supporting Ukraine’s eventual NATO membership
- Commitment to tribunals for Russian war crimes
- Supporting the return of abducted Ukrainian children
Notable differences include:
- Defense spending commitments
- Approaches to military aid
- Willingness to label Russia a state sponsor of terrorism
- Diplomatic approaches to Russia
- Energy security strategies
Why Your Voice Matters
In democratic societies, citizens have both the privilege and responsibility to shape foreign policy through their electoral choices. The differences revealed in the UCC survey showcase how your vote directly influences Canada’s approach to international crises like the war in Ukraine.
What You Can Do
- Get informed: Review party platforms beyond summary tables. Read the full UCC survey results to understand nuances in each party’s position.
- Contact your representatives: Ask your current MP and candidates about their specific positions on Ukraine. How would they vote on increasing defense spending? What specific aid do they support for Ukraine? Do they favor diplomatic or military solutions?
- Attend town halls and debates: When candidates come to your community, show up with informed questions about foreign policy positions.
- Advocate within parties: If you’re a party member, advocate for clear, principled positions on supporting Ukraine and opposing Russian aggression.
- Vote with global issues in mind: When casting your ballot, consider how your vote shapes not just domestic policy but Canada’s place in defending democracy worldwide.
Beyond Partisan Politics
Supporting Ukraine transcends partisan divides. All major Canadian parties recognize the importance of standing with Ukraine against aggression, but they differ in their approaches. By engaging actively with these differences, Canadians can help shape a foreign policy that best represents our values on the world stage.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine represents one of the defining geopolitical challenges of our time. How Canada responds reflects our commitment to international law, human rights, and democracy. As voters, we each play a crucial role in determining that response.
Let’s ensure our voices are heard, our representatives are accountable, and our votes reflect our values regarding Ukraine and global democracy.
This blog post is based on analysis of the 2025 Ukrainian Canadian Congress Party Leaders Survey. The full survey and detailed party responses can be found at UCC’s website.
| Priority Area | Conservatives | Liberals | NDP | Greens |
| 2% GDP Defence Commitment | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Strong Military Aid to Ukraine | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Seizing Russian Assets for Ukraine | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| NATO Membership for Ukraine | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| State Sponsor of Terrorism Label for Russia | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | 🔶 Partial | ❌ No |
| Return of Abducted Children | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Tribunal for Russian War Crimes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Expelling Russian Diplomats / Reducing Ties | ✅ Advocated | 🔶 Review | 🔶 Motions | ❌ No official stance |
| Displaced Ukrainians’ Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Permanent Residency and Services for Ukrainians | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Comparison Table generated with support of Chat GPT
Party Positions on Supporting Ukraine
| Party | Defense Spending (2% GDP) | Military Support for Ukraine | Isolating Russia | Support for Displaced Ukrainians | Other Notable Commitments |
| Conservative | Yes, by 2030 | Strong, increase domestic arms/ammo production | Strong, prioritize accountability | Support resettlement and integration | Build Arctic base, double Rangers, invest in defense industry |
| Liberal | Yes, before 2030 | Strong, modernize procurement and invest in defense industry | Strong, sanctions and international cooperation | Ongoing support for Ukrainians | Arctic investments, new submarines, Over-the-Horizon Radar |
| NDP | Yes, reach 2% GDP | Strong, modernize procurement, cancel F-35, partner with Europe | Strong, focus on diplomacy and peacebuilding | Support for displaced Ukrainians | Build Canadian-made equipment, Arctic investments |
| Green | No, keep 1–1.3% GDP | Support, but focus on peacekeeping/diplomacy | Strong, focus on international law | Support for displaced Ukrainians | Cancel F-35, build Canadian jets, focus on climate and peace |
Comparison Table Generated by www.perplexity.ai
Link to UCC Survey results: https://www.ucc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025.UCC-Party-Leaders-Survey.pdf
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