Canadian issues

Over the past year Ukraine has figured prominently in global media. The world has watched as Russia, a country once considered to be a strategic partner in global affairs, invaded Ukraine, annexed Crimea, and launched a war in the country’s east. 81 years ago a different crisis was raging in Ukraine, but this time it was one that largely went unnoticed by the West. Now known as the Holodomor, this crisis was a genocide in which millions of Ukrainians were ruthlessly and purposely starved to death. Much like the situation today, the Holodomor was also planned and executed by the Kremlin. It is this interplay ...

It is a deeply felt honor to address this distinguished legislative body. I must thank you, Prime Minister, for inviting me to come to Canada, Speaker Kinsella and Speaker Scheer – for giving me such outstanding opportunity to address the Canadian Parliament. I see this as a tribute to my country and the Ukrainian people, and an expression of the unique, distinctive partnership that our nations enjoy. Let me also just once use the third “official language” of Canada – Ukrainian: Дякую вам за цю честь, дорогі друзі! To be frank with you – I feel very much at...

On September 17, an atmosphere of anticipation engulfed Parliament Hill. Thirty-three Ukrainian Interns were among the many Canadians from Ontario and Quebec who came to Ottawa to greet Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko. This was without doubt a response to Canada’s unparalleled support, for beleaguered Ukraine. Canada was the first after Poland to recognize Ukraine’s independence in 1991 and continues to be one of Ukraine’s staunchest allies. This support increased after Ukraine fell victim to Russia’s annexation of Crimea and invasion of eastern Ukraine. The Interns of the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Program (CUPP) had the honour to...

Many decades ago, a young Ukrainian man named Steve decided to try and seek a better life for himself. At the age of 17, and against the wishes of his father, Steve made the necessary arrangements to leave Ukraine. Because of the occupation of his country at that time, Steve was issued an Austrian passport. He travelled from Lazarowka, to Trieste, Italy, evading officials who were attempting to conscript young Ukrainian men into the army. On 10 April 1913, still following his dream, he boarded a vessel called the SS CONDA. He arrived in Montreal five weeks later, on 17 May 1913 and continued on to Ontario by train, where he resided with other immigrant friends and family in several different urban centres. Steve settled in Guelph, and found work at...

On November 2nd, 2014 the world première of the art songs of four Galician composers will be showcased at the resplendent Koerner Hall: the late romantic Denys Sichynsky, post-romantic Stanyslav Liudkevych, impressionist Vasyl Barvinsky and modernist, as well asUkraine's first female composer, Stefania Turkewich. We invite you to support this unique event which brings the beauty and excellence of Ukrainian classical composition to one of the finest stages. International operatic star Pavlo Hunka, bass- baritone and accomplished piano accompanist, Albert Krywolt, will be...

On September 17, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko arrived to a warm welcome on Parliament Hill. His first official visit toCanadasince being elected in May 2014 was short but successful, and undeniably memorable for many of those in attendance. Given all that has occurred inUkrainesince the Euromaidan revolution began in late November 2013, Poroshenko’s presence was a meaningful one, symbolizing the close partnershipCanadaandUkrainehave developed in recent history. Hearing the Ukrainian anthem played...

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement in remembrance of those interned in Canada during the First World War: “A century ago, as a result of fear generated by the onset of the First World War, thousands of new immigrants of European origin were interned during the First World War even though there was no proof that they posed a threat to Canada...

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the results of the May 25th presidential elections in Ukraine: “The people of Ukraine have spoken in elections that were largely free and fair. On behalf of Canada, I would like to congratulate Petro Poroshenko on what is shaping up to be a decisive first-round victory. “The presidential elections come at a pivotal time in the country’s history, a period of hope and turmoil. As in the past, the Ukrainian people overcame all odds to courageously exercise their most fundamental democratic right. By casting their votes, they demonstrated their commitment to a free, democratic and sovereign Ukraine. “Despite attempts by...

Following the announcement of retaliatory sanctions against him from Moscow, James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake, has issued the following statement: “To be included on this Russian list of Canadians is a badge of honour, and I am proud to be included with these distinguished Canadians who oppose the invasion of Crimea by Russian forces. “These punitive measures will not silence my criticisms of the illegal military invasion and occupation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, nor mute my strong support for the people of Ukraine and their transitional government. “Canada and its G-7 partners have...

To mark the 100th anniversary of Canada's first national internment operations of 1914-1920, the Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties Foundation (www.ucclf.ca) will be unveiling 100 plaques on Friday, 22 August 2014, the 100th anniversary of the War Measures Act. This initiative, the CTO (“One Hundred”) project, enjoys the financial support of the UCCLF and of the Endowment Council of the Canadian First World War Internment Recognition Fund (www.internmentcanada.ca)...