This nasty attack by Trevor Slatery on Bruce Fanjoy’s massive victory in Canada’s 2025 federal election is typical Pierre Poilievre Maple MAGA Trump-foaming fascism, hated and cruelty.
Typical, Piss Pants Pierre Poilievre hails from Alberta, as does Mr. Slatery – who apparently doesn’t even know Carleton is in central Canada, not eastern.
Thank you, Bruce Fanjoy and many thanks to your dedicated team of volunteers that helped show the world that democracy, love for community and country, and kindness and truth are worth fighting for.
Steve On Sens:
“maybe I’m being woke but I don’t think the modern right’s approach of calling everyone they disagree with ‘retarded’ is gonna pay off”
Trevor Slatery:
“This is the guy the voters of Carleton just elected to represent them instead of Pierre. The level of retardation in Eastern Canada is off the charts.”
***
@charlesrusnell.bsky.social:
Huge respect for Bruce Fanjoy. He worked his tail off, and he’s in politics for the right reasons.
@thetyee.ca:
Bruce Fanjoy has…defeated Pierre Poilievre in his own riding.
ICYMI: Michael Harris’s profile of the man who knocked on 5,000 doors to see this day.
CdnElxn2025
T Moore:
Someone had to take out the trash.
Carleton voters chose Mr. Fanjoy to do the job. In an election with very high turnout.
This was no fluke, it was a repudiation of divisive, right-wing sloganeering in place of substance.
The Nation That Trump Could Never Break, Canada didn’t just resist, they reminded the rest of us how to endure by Viktor Kravchuk, Apr 29, 2025, War, Love, and Survival in Ukraine
I’VE NEVER WALKED YOUR STREETS. Never seen your beautiful lakes.
I don’t really know your provinces, your debates, or your daily worries.
But this morning, from a war zone half a world away, I was reading about your election. And for the first time in days, I exhaled.
A small, almost invisible breath. Relief.
Here, even that feels like a gift.
And then came gratitude.
Because what you chose is not just a leader. You didn’t just choose kindness or experience.
You chose to reject stupidity.
You chose not to flirt with fascism.
And from where I write, in a place still paying the price for what happens when others flirt with fascism abroad, I want to say this clearly:
You, my Canadian friends, you chose goodness in a collapsing world. And you saved more than just your country.
You saved a piece of hope for all of us.
I’m not a political person. I’m just a person trying to survive a war.
But even from this far, we see things. We see what is happening in America. We see what one man has done to a country that once inspired the world.
When loudness replaces wisdom. Cruelty becomes strategy. Lies get more airtime than truth.
And we saw something else too. That people who once led the world now feel afraid.
Afraid to speak. Afraid to vote. Afraid of their neighbors.
In a world where silence is growing louder, where so many nations still mistake volume for leadership, you didn’t scream.
You Canadians, you just showed up. And voted. And reminded the rest of us that sanity still exists.
I needed that reminder. The world needed that reminder.
You made the idea of decency feel real again, even here, where bombs try to make us forget it.
You showed us that it is still possible to reject extremism without screaming. Just by saying no. Quietly, peacefully, in a voting booth.
You reminded us that democracy is about people who still believe that decency is worth defending, even when things are far from perfect and there’s so much to improve.
Reminded us that calmness isn’t cowardice. It’s discipline.
And it’s a strength that doesn’t ask to win, but only asks to last.
Here in Ukraine, we know Justin Trudeau very well.
We remember when he raised his voice for us, when many others looked away.
He’s not perfect, sure. Who is? But he stood beside us when it mattered most.
And this kind of loyalty stays.
I’ve met Canadians here. They don’t always say much. But when they speak, it’s with kindness.
Every time I’ve met one, it felt like I was meeting someone who came not to take pictures, not to prove anything, but to help. To be present, to care.
There are good and bad people in every country, I know that. But let me take this chance to say: I’ve never met a Canadian who wasn’t good to me. In person or virtually. Not once. Never.
Canada, you did something brave. And you did it quietly.
You didn’t do it for applause. But you deserve it.
You didn’t just protect your country. You protected the idea that countries can still be good.
You protected all of us who are still fighting to believe it.
Because if more countries don’t follow your lead, even the ones still standing may not stand much longer.
Countries that don’t need to be the loudest. Just the kindest.
The calmest.
The ones who still choose peace even when the historical moment is upside down and makes it easier to choose rage.
You have the biggest border with the United States, but you don’t see them as enemies.
Believe me, Ukrainians know well what it means to receive threats from those we share our biggest border.
And still, you see the United States as a nation of brothers. As neighbors. Even when they’re lost in something dark.
You know that their government does not reflect the spirit of their nation, even considering that millions of them voted for a man who insists on saying that your country needs to be turned into one of their states.
Instead of seeing the people with red hats and hate speech, you still see those millions of Americans who said they would consider joining Canada because of him.
That is wisdom. That is maturity. That is leadership.
From where you are, you couldn’t hear the sound it made abroad. But over here, it was loud.
It was the sound of something still standing when so much is falling. The sound of a choice bigger than a country, of a future refusing to die.
And in the silence after that sound, something inside us said: keep going.
.
So, thank you, Canada.
Not for being perfect, but for being clear.
For being rational.
For being yourselves when so many others are trying to be something worse.
Thank you for proving that Trump is wrong when he tries to teach the world that kindness is weakness.
You reminded us that we are not alone.
We’re still here. Under sirens. Under silence.
Because of you, this morning felt a little less like the end of the world.
And a little more like something worth staying alive for.
There’s no team behind this, just me, writing from Ukraine. And every paid subscription helps me keep this open for everyone who needs to read these stories. Thank you so much for considering it if you can.
***
Julie Wise:
That deep breath and exhale of relief was loud here in Canada this morning too, Viktor. I am glad it could be heard around the world because we are all in this together.
United, we stand. For truth, equity and respect.
Elbows up.
Viktor Kravchuk:
We are united this morning, and to be fair, we will be honored to be forever united with such incredible, respectful and wonderful country like Canada. You are a real inspiration for all of us and even more today, dear Julie. Thank you!
Julie Wise:
I wish we could do more, Viktor, but at least this is something, a measure of hope.
Nancy:
Yes! Yes, it is. We heard it down here, too; thank you, Canada, for making the right decision. X-)
Janet:
I’m crying and not sure if I can stop. This is so touching. (I’m in the US but I would NEVER wear a red hat. Thank you. We are praying for you over here.
Viktor Kravchuk:
Thank you so much dear Janet. This is just the beginning, his defeat north of the border is the beginning of his fall south too. Canada just showed everyone of us that his end is near and, more important that everything, possible.
Nancy:
May it be so, soon! 🙂
I just hope he doesn’t drag the rest of us in the U.S. down with him when he goes… X-P
Maureen Etchells:
From your mouth to God’s ears, as the saying (prayer) goes. Thanks for your beautiful writings.
Cindy Ryder:
I find myself in tears at this moment as well. And yes, from all that we are, thank you Canada. We love you, we love Ukraine and we love the US. That is why we are fighting so hard to preserve our democracy.
Robot Bender:
I don’t wear red anything anymore.
Viktor Kravchuk:
I have the same feeling friend, but I would make an exception if the cap was red but with a big flag of Canada on it!!!
Nancy:
Red and white with a maple leaf! 😀
Laurie:
This is what I wanted to say, as well. I’m just now reading it this morning, and I can’t seem to stop crying myself. Viktor has a way with writing that really gets to the heart of the matter.
Georgette:
Ukrainians were the founders of Canada’s western provinces. Ukrainian heritage is part of Canada’s heart and soul. Thank you for this post. We love Ukraine
Viktor Kravchuk:
Dear Georgette, I regret so much to have skipped this information, you are totally right. I have heard about that so many times and also about the biggest pysanka in the entire world, if I’m not forgetting, in the central provinces like Manitoba or Alberta. Sending love to Canada! J’envoié amour au Canada (please don’t pay attention to grammar, only consider the bilingual attempt to match your streets and signs!)
Georgette:
Every year since 2016, the Royal Canadian Mint issues a Pysanka silver coin in the shape of an egg and decorated in Ukrainian egg painting art to commemorate the yearly Pysanka. The proceeds go to Ukrainian aid.
Sharon Bouchard:
We plan to visit Ontario this summer . Can you tell me where I can get this coin? My husband’s family is Ukrainian and Polish. This would mean a lot to him, especially as it benefits Ukraine.
DBS:
It appears to be sold out for 2025 – you can normally find them at www.mint.ca – some of our postal offices also have coin collections maybe pop into a Canada Post when you’re up visiting this summer.
Josée:
Je vous envoie une tonne d’amour Viktor et vous souhaite tout le courage du monde. Slava Ukraini!!
Katherine:
The biggest pysanka is in Vegreville, Alberta. I live near there.
It was very important for Canada to bring in the Liberal government again. Not only to help ourselves by showing trump what we thought of the 51st state idea, but to also be able to still support Ukraine. Thank you for your writing. I do not believe we realized how much we affected the world with our election. I am so happy we can still support Ukraine.
Susan Woodman:
I worked with my local liberal team to win with honesty and integrity. We all knew that the results of this election would affect so much more than Canada.
The Conservatives had voted against helping Ukraine and repeated all the evil talking points that Trump said. The Liberals ALWAYS supported Ukraine and planned to help more if elected.
We went into this knowing that if Canadians failed in this Ukraine would suffer more. Most Canadians didn’t really think beyond our fight with Trump, but those of us that have a world view knew the international stakes being decided.
Bob Insell:
Thank you Susan (and Victor!). You’ve voiced my thoughts and feelings exactly. I live in a blessed and fairly affluent and educated BC border community where yesterday we elected a Liberal over a repeat incumbent Conservative. The swing towards sanity and yes international vision, integrity and hope, were demonstrated here at the local level. I’m glad I was part of that.
Les:
I would have to agree – and disagree. Those of us who voted for Liberals – strength, unity, fairness – knew that NOT voting Liberal would hurt us all.
Those who voted Conservative were not really thinking about Trump, even if their talking points mimicked his. They were voting for change, because they see the Liberals to blame for inflation, housing shortages, healthcare shortfalls, and no amount of reason – that these are worldwide problems, that covid threw the world into chaos, that horrific wars, in Ukraine, in the Middle East, in African countries, that climate change – all these things contributed but they are too focused on their own problems to see the big picture.
Thankfully, at this point, our greater humanity is prevailing and its up to our new government to work together, so we can help Canadians and our friends in Ukraine and around the world. I love my country and I am so proud of us for holding on to democracy and kindness, when we could have faltered .
DBS:
I think what Les was trying to convey was that even many of our Canadians voting Conservatives do not necessarily support Trump or withdrawing support from Ukraine. The Conservative Party didn’t truly reveal their agenda to many Canadians, they partially keep a mask over some of their evil. They simply bought into the idea of change, because they are struggling. Some of course knew but not all. Politics are never simple.
Susie:
I am an American, but I stand with Canada and Ukraine I’m sick and tired of the tyrant we are ashamed to call President. I voted for Kamala, so I’m not ashamed of my vote.But sad and ashamed for the 75 million citizens who voted for this convicted felon. I admire the leaders of your 2 countries, and I pray that someday our country will have a good leader like Zelenskyy, Trudeau, and Mark Carney. And Democracy can again be restored to the beleaguered UNITED STATES .
Elizabeth Skinner-Orgeron:
I’m with you, Susie. I’ve been ashamed to be an American for about three months now. Yes, there are some ways in which this country has never been great, but it’s gotten so much worse under Trump. I kind of envy the Canadians, but I don’t think I’d be considered worthy even to enter their borders as long as 47’s the president of my country.
Jocelyn Millis:
You’re definitely welcome to enter Canada and visit us here. We know many Americans voted for Kamala. The chance to visit us and be away from the unremitting lies of Trump for a time could be helpful for you.
However, I can’t guarantee that Trump won’t penalize Americans who Voss the border to visit Canada. He is capable of any injustice.
GO Williams:
Canada has a huge Canadian-Ukrainian population & policy of strong multiculturalism, promoted by Justin Trudeau’s father Pierre. It’s what makes us different than the US, we believe in diversity & inclusion, it makes us stronger as a country. We can’t let people inciting MAGA style hatred have control of our future
B.B. Wood:
Dearest Viktor, As a beleaguered American, I want to thank you for this uplifting post about Canada, our kind & beautiful neighbors. You are so right that Canadians have set such a fine standard for us. I’m so proud to be one of your subscribers. For my birthday this year, I decided to help independent journalists with a paid subscription. I chose you in March, & you have now paid me back immeasurably. Keep up the good work. With love from America to you in Ukraine.
erg art ink:
Oh dear heart. As a Canadian thank you for every word straight and true.
Sheri:
Viktor when this war is over, you are welcome to be my guest! I will bring you to see the Falls and visit Canada. We can walk across the Peace Bridge together and it will be a symbol of lasting peace and friendship. Putin and Trump can rot in hell together. Your words and seeing this time through your eyes has made me feel like we are fast friends. Let’s stay in touch and I know this horror will be behind us soon. God Bless you and yours and keep you safe.
Catherine Biondi:
My god, Viktor. You were already my favorite correspondent on Substack, but this essay launched you into orbit. I have never in my long life read anything that moved me as much.
Because you feel like the son I never had, I’m hereby taking this opportunity to declare myself your second mother. Bless you and the people you love, my dear boy!
Norm:
I applaud the Canadians for standing up for their country. I do not know much about Mark Carney, but I hope he is a leader like Zelenskyy, not a scumbag criminal like we have in America.
KB:
This is such truth being said to the world of our beloved northern neighbor, Canada. You are so correct over half of all Americans- I think even more than 70% of Americans love our Canadian brothers. And yes!!
Thank you Canada for giving us courage, comfort, compassion to still
Keep going!! Democracy is living and Fascism is death.
Thank you Victor for spreading love and kindness and hope!!!!
Cary Sipiora:
Yes, this morning brought a glimmer of hope for all democracies
Johanna van Zanten:
Thank you Victor. Canada will remain standing next to Ukraine and our new leader will continue so with smart ideas how to make a move towards peace, and turn the less smart players around and make them see what is rational and decent. Hold on, also this mayhem will end and Putin stopped.
Deanne Mineau:
Victor, I am so very relieved that my Country chose wisdom, steadiness, thoughtfulness and unity, instead of dangerous gamesmanship, divisiveness, and baseless lies. We appreciate your words deeply.
Julia:
Thank you for helping us understand that even in Ukraine, Canada was a beacon as it is to us in the United States. Zelensky is a beacon here too, and world leaders clapping for him in Rome did not go unnoticed as there was complete silence and for our president.
Karen Campbell:
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your heart’s understanding. We are very lucky to have what we have + also a brand new leader in Mark Carney who has a rare quality of guts, glory, grit, and grateful graciousness to share with Canada and the world…if we as Canadians can be an example to other peaceful people + countries, WELCOME ABOARD the PEACE TRAIN CARNEY CAR
Sandra B.:
Thank you for this beautifully written message to Canada Viktor. I’m so grateful that collectively we chose our country over party; united instead of division; and support for our diverse nation equally.
Ukraine has been the beacon to the entire world by fighting against fascism, tyranny, and aggression. Democracies must now unite and fight for peace on Ukraine’s terms.
We have a govt that will listen to Canadians and supports Ukraine Btw I loved JT. Not perfect, but he loves Canada and cares about people.Me too; JT served Canada well during a challenging crisis, and was smeared by incessant disinformation attacks and the Fucker Truckers threatening to kill him, hang him, shoot bullets at him, funded by USA Dark Money and other nefarious global bullies that want to divide and destroy Canadians the easier to steal our country, water and resources.
David Harding:
Vik, your writing offers a glimpse into what is far away, and yet very near to our hearts and souls. Out of the awfulness of war come your words of wisdom, clarity, and hope. Wishing you all the best in your continued writing, hopefully in peace soon!
2022: Ukraine street mural
Cath Millage:
Thank you for these words, Viktor. For certain I can say that many, many Canadians had you and President Zelenskyy in their thoughts at the polling booths yesterday as we marked our “X”. We know how fragile a strong democracy is and we support you in your fight for freedom and peace. Elbows up, Ukraine!
Sanya:
We love Ukraine and, when the war is over, we hope you and your family will consider visiting Canada. SLAVA UKRAJINI!!
Bella_Babe:
And this defines Canadians to a tee. The do not scream, the go over the boards and elbows up!! Could not be more proud of my Canadian friends to the north!!
Jessica Bee:
Slava Ukraini
Ukrainians’ courage in the face of fascism inspired many of us to the ballot box to ensure we would have the best chance to continue to fight in solidarity against the dictators, with our allies, for liberal democracies worldwide, and to best defend an international rules-based system where sovereign and human rights are honoured and protected xo
DBS:
I agree wholeheartedly, Ukraine & Zelenskyy, along with you Viktor, have provided an example to democracies around the world, with your strength and determination against tyranny and evil and have demonstrated that strength does not just come from size and might but from the heart and unity. That individual voices have power when joined together. Many Canadians did carry Ukraine’s message to the world in their hearts when they approached the ballot box. Ukraine passed a torch to Canadians. May both our nations continue to stand strong and free and inspire others to stand as well.
Deborah solleveld:
Canada’s win gives me hope that we can save the United States
Patt Bekken:
This is so beautifully written I am weeping in gratitude for your kindness & caring Mr. Kravchuk, especially in light of all you and your country are enduring.
Thank you.
May God continue to bless Canada, their people and their leaders.
May God continue to give Ukraine fortitude and miracles.
May God help us here in the US to strengthen our convictions that we will NEVER surrender to this developing tyranny.
Ann Hetherton:
The truth and eloquence made me cry too.
Wish the whole world knew how many Americans support Ukraine.
We will be at every rally.
We see many signs to support Ukraine and it gives us hope and support.
We cannot stop.
Thank you to the grace, tenacity and strength of the Ukrainian people.
Patricia Turcotte
1d
We have 340,000 wonderful people of Ukrainian heritage in my province of Ontario. Canada will always stand with Ukraine!
Defeat is not an option, Slava Ukraine
Homi Hormasji:
Here’s the thing, Viktor: this country of ours, the US, is like the Soviet Union of old in the sense that a failed dogma – in their case, communism, in ours, unfettered capitalism – has governed the lives of it citizens totally.
The result of our blind adherence to this dogma here is that education and health care are treated as commodities for sale. On the other hand, in Canada as in Europe, they are treated as birthrights. We have now seen the damage that denying people education can do in the most brutal fashion possible: an uneducated, ignorant but arrogant body of citizens have elected a mentally sick, criminal thug as President. In Canada, on the other hand, common sense and decency have prevailed.
We, the American people, have to shrug off this evil regime as rapidly as we can in order to make a fresh start.
Not that it’s sufficient in any sense, but please allow me to express our apologies, on behalf of the sane half of our population, to Ukraine and to the world.
K McKeen:
YES!
Linda Vander Heyden:
Viktor, as I write this, I am crying. I am an American who is so grateful for your wise words and for your recognition that so many of us in this country didn’t vote for trump and are fighting to hold onto our democracy. We are devastated by the way our government has treated our allies. Devastated by the way our government has trampled on human rights. I, too, have released a breath, knowing that our Canadian friends have chosen a leader who is competent and wise. Thank you for your kindness and compassion. We stand with you. We care about you. You are in our hearts.
Mary Gregoire:
I felt so much pride for Canadians for their voting choice. If nothing else trump has awakened the world to the forces of evil that are trying to win the world. We are one more step to making it a better place, thanks to Canada! We won’t stop fighting for Ukraine and democracy!
Andrea Tuthill:
I just came across this in Trevor Stone Irwin’s post and it was perfect. I fear we have under appreciated our Canadian neighbors for far too long. Oh Canada, yes you gave the world hope last night. This was a beautiful essay Viktor
When God Created Canada
When God created Canada St Peter came to watch. God was giving Canada oil, energy, lumber, fish in their lakes, maple syrup, minerals, hockey, and plenty of game to hunt. God said, “These people will be some of the most polite, fair, and loving on the planet.” St Peter squinted and said, “But why do you give them so much? Isn’t this unfair?” God smiled and said, “No. Just wait until you see who I give them for neighbors.”
K McKeen:
Lol…I like that joke.
Carole Beams:
There are a LOT of us in the US who also breathed a deep breath of relief for the results of Canada’s election. AND There are also A LOT of us in the US who support Ukraine, Zelensky & you and your fellow citizens. It means that there is hope, and as the saying goes “Hope springs eternal…” Slava Ukraini
Houston slams Poilievre, says Conservatives must “do some soul searching” after 4th straight loss
@ame_todd March 7, 2025:
OMG! Did @PierrePoilievre just say Canada is weak? He’s just told Trump we’re weak! First, Canada is broken and now Canada is weak! Vote this clown out! He’s either compromised or he’s stupid!
…
He kept repeating that Canada’s weak. Great opportunity or even more reason for Trump to push the tariffs on us!! Get this freak out now @CPC_HQ or @stephenharper or whoever chose this idiot! He’s just dumb! @MarkJCarney is working his ass off while he vacations & crickets!
@MTW2478 Mar 7:
He did…….he’s now told Trump we’re weak, broken and stupid.
So Canadian, so Prime Ministerial , so embarrassing. He needs to go, HE’S weakening our position and I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s his goal.
He’s so afraid of Carney.
@MJJohns89100431 Mar 8:
Compromised! He follows the right wing plan as drawn by Steve Bannon, Hitler fan, bent on breaking the EU& NATO, weakening countries and destroying democracies. So far he’s got Hungary,US, Argentina, India. He had Britain but they got wise & kicked conservatives to the curb.
@topogigio669:
That’s the same look he gave Trudeau during the Mulroney Funeral. The guy is a stalker and he’s obsessed with Trudeau. He’s not well
@Cre8iv_Canuck:
Groomed by Harper