The Russian invasion of Ukraine and humanitarian nationalism in Canada

Abstract

ABSTRACT Canadian society and governments across multiple jurisdictions have embraced an unprecedented “humanitarian nationalism” in relation to Ukraine and particularly to displaced Ukrainians coming to Canada after the Russian invasion. Humanitarian support for Ukrainians in Canada is salient and unprecedented: Ukrainian flags fly on cars, appear in gardens and are attached to churches, but the Canadian state also champions Ukraine and its people in it foreign policy, and on the federal government website for Ukrainians seeking safety in Canada, where flags are also evident. Comparing recent special government programs for Ukrainians, Afghans and Syrians, data overwhelmingly show more Ukrainians are being helped, support matched by widespread support from civil society. The presence and mobilization of a vast and well-organized Ukrainian diaspora in Canada, as well as the relative absence of securitization concerns in relation to Ukrainians, have shaped the very warm welcome they have received.