After months of advocacy, Kootenay East MLA Tom Shypitka is cautiously optimistic after Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said he will work to ensure Ukrainians who need driver’s licenses will be able to write their test in Ukrainian, instead of Russian.

“Despite the significant and increasing number of Ukrainian speakers in British Columbia, the government and ICBC had not added Ukrainian to the list of available testing languages, instead suggesting individuals use a cumbersome phone translation service or take the test in Russian,” stated Shypitka March 2 in the Legislature.

“These families have left their lives behind and need a licence to integrate themselves. Requiring Ukrainians to take the written driver’s test in Russian is not only traumatic but also insulting to those who have fled Russian aggression, and needs to be fixed immediately.”

After Shypitka questioned the government, the Minister responsible acknowledged the request, saying, “it will be done,” committing to making Ukrainian an option as a language on driver’s tests.

However, this is not the first time the Opposition has called for this change. In response to a September letter from Shypitka, the Minister responsible refused to add Ukrainian as an available language, citing cost challenges, the MLA added.

“It is all well and good for government to stand up and say they change the test, but results are what matter and the NDP’s track record speaks for itself.”

Shypitka said the Official Opposition will monitor the progress of the NDP’s commitment to ensure this is implemented as soon as possible so Ukrainians can avoid this unnecessary and painful exercise

He also thanked Alan MacBean and the Shelter for Ukrainians Society of Southeast B.C. for their hard work supporting the community.

See MLA Shypitka’s full address to the Legislature.

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