A Manitoba man is waiting for his petition to be discussed by the federal government. Nick Krawetz, who lives in Winnipeg and works in Portage la Prairie, started the petition to allow Ukrainian visitors who are staying up to 90 days to enter the country without a visa. He's seen no shortage of support for the petition, with more than 2,000 citizens from those across the country and letters of support from parliamentarians involved with all political parties. Krawetz says while it's always surprising to see MPs working with those across the aisle, he's not too surprised when it comes to this petition.

"I am kind of surprised by it. On the other hand, I'm not surprised because what's going on in Ukraine has generated support from across the parliamentary aisles. There have been debates, and emergency debates in support of Ukraine. The previous Conservative government and now the Liberal government are supportive of Ukraine, and they're interested in increasing that support. I think this is one way of doing it."

Krawetz says this petition isn't just supported across the political spectrum, they're also seeing support from numerous cultural groups across Canada.

"We've received support not just from the Ukrainian community, but also the Polish, Mennonite and even Russian speaking communities across Canada. I think that's very encouraging, because support for Ukraine is not bipartisan, or an issue that's only relevant to the Ukrainian community. It impacts all Canadians in terms of international security, democratic governance, and the promotion of security in Europe and so forth."

Krawetz notes the petition comes as the European Union begins to discuss the implementation of visa-free travel for Ukrainians to countries in the European Union. He feels Canada should be involved in those discussions, to allow Ukrainians to take in Canada's democratic views, and bring them back to their country.  Krawetz says that's an issue close to his heart, citing his role as an observer in the Ukrainian elections, and his Ukrainian heritage.

"I've seen how Ukrainians want to reform their country and become more democratic. I think this is a way for them to do it."

He feels it's not just international relations and support for Ukraine that will benefit from this move. Krawetz says it could also open opportunities in Canada, noting the potential to open doors for business, and development.

"I think this would benefit not only Ukraine, but all Canadians with increased economic activity, increased job creation, professional exchanges, and even for Canadians to learn about Ukraine. Perhaps that may lead to other humanitarian or political initiatives."

The petition's been sponsored by Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman MP James Bezan, who's also worked alongside Ukrainian Election officials through his former role of Parliamentary secretary to the Minister of National Defence.