Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, several of my colleagues have risen here in this House to speak on the ongoing -- I have no luck, Mr. Speaker, when it comes to this computer. I apologize.
Several of my colleagues have risen over the last few weeks to speak on the horrors of the ongoing war in Ukraine and to denounce the tyrannical actions of Russian leader Vladimir Putin. On Monday I spoke about the work being done by the Red Cross and today I'd like to highlight an effort closer to home, where Northerners can get directly involved.
Mr. Speaker, the Firefighter Aid for Ukraine, or FAU's mission, is to collect unneeded or unwanted firefighter bunker and turnout gear, personal protective equipment or PPE, life rescue equipment and medical supplies from fire departments and vendors in Canada. FAU also aims to raise the necessary funds to send those goods to first responders in Ukraine who are in desperate need of equipment and supplies to fulfill their duties to serve and protect citizens.
As a team member of the 2012 Rotary Club Group Study Exchange focusing on emergency services, FAU organizer Kevin Royle visited cities and rural areas in Western Ukraine, including Kyiv. While there, the team visited several fire stations, medical centres, and training facilities. Mr. Royle observed in every instance that emergency medical responders were underfunded and attempting to fulfill their duties with worn-out tools and equipment, missing or inadequate PPE, and broken down archaic machinery and vehicles working out of dilapidated and crumbling facilities.
The deficiencies result from a magnitude of reasons. Ukraine is considered a developing country after years of underfunding while part of the former Soviet block. After independence in 1991, Ukraine continued to feel the affects of this as it remains the poorest nation in Europe to this day. Vaccination rates for COVID have been low as availability has been extremely limited, Something that only makes the ongoing war even more precarious.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the situation for frontline first responders and medical workers worsens, placing them and citizens in jeopardy. That's why I am pleased to announce that in partnership with Joe McBryan of Buffalo Airways and Matt Vincent of 62 Degrees North, and utilizing flights put on by Firefighter Aid for Ukraine, we will be collecting new or recently expired first aid kits to send over to support medical teams in the region. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Maybe I would have made it if I hadn't had my technical hiccup. Therefore, Mr. Speaker I am challenging businesses, residents, and the Government of the Northwest Territories, to set aside and donate expired or soon-to-be-expired first aid kits and supplies. Specifically, cloth bandages are needed. Northerners are by nature generous and always rise to the challenge. I believe that together we can provide a significant contribution of supplies that will save lives in Ukraine. More details on drop-off locations will be provided next week. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.