The Ukrainian Canadian Congress has awarded commemorative medals to the families of 11 Canadians who were killed or injured while volunteering to fight in Ukraine’s defence, despite their ineligibility for official veterans’ benefits under Canadian law.“These individuals are an example to all of us of selflessness, courage and determination,” said Taras Jackiw, chair of the Congress’ medal committee, at a ceremony recognizing the fallen. Blacklock's Reporter says the organization presented the newly created Ukrainian Canadian Sacrifice Medal to relatives of the volunteers, honouring their decision to join Ukraine’s foreign legion following Russia’s 2022 invasion..Jackiw said the medals were presented at ceremonies held in the volunteers' home communities, with family and friends in attendance. “It is important that our community pay tribute to fallen Canadians who fought for freedom and honour the sacrifice they made for Ukraine,” he said. “They are a testament to the strong, enduring bonds between Canada and Ukraine.” Canadians who enlist in Ukraine’s International Legion of Territorial Defence are disqualified from receiving Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, as Ottawa has not sanctioned Canadian participation in the war. A 2022 federal briefing note cited the Foreign Enlistment Act of 1937, which prohibits Canadians from serving in foreign armies engaged in conflicts with nations that Canada considers friendly. .“Canada’s Foreign Enlistment Act prohibits Canadians from enlisting in the military or navy of a foreign state at war with a friendly state,” the note explained.As Canada is not at war with Russia, the law applies to the current conflict.Violations can carry penalties of up to a $2,000 fine or two years in prison.Ukraine’s foreign legion actively recruits international volunteers with combat experience or the will to defend what it describes as “world peace.”.However, Canadian officials maintain that participation in such conflicts excludes volunteers from state support.“Anyone who is injured or becomes ill as a result of circumstances unrelated to service with the Canadian Armed Forces is not eligible for veterans’ benefits,” said Veterans Affairs Canada.The department added that Canada has never provided veterans’ services to citizens who fought in foreign wars where the country was not involved, such as the Vietnam War, Spanish Civil War, or the American Civil War.
