On Friday August 2, 2013, SUSK President Christine Czoli, Executive Vice-President Nadia Demko, and Past President Danylo Korbabicz met with the Ukrainian Ambassador, his Excellency Vadym Prystaiko, inOttawa. Mr. Prystaiko was appointed as Ambassador of Ukraine toCanadain November 2012. SUSK met with the Ambassador in order to introduce our organization, voice the perspective of Ukrainian Canadian students with respect to key issues, and discuss potential opportunities for cooperation between SUSK and the Ukrainian Embassy inCanada.
Following a brief introduction to the Ukrainian Canadian Students’ Union, SUSK representatives presented the perspectives of Ukrainian Canadian students regarding key issues relating to Canada and Ukraine. The basis for this discussion was the SUSK Position Paper, a policy document compiled by SUSK, available here: http://susk.ca/advocacy/canada-ukraine-policy/
Briefly, SUSK representatives expressed their concern with respect to corruption and human rights violations inUkraine, while stressing the importance of continuing to supportUkraine’s democratic development. Points that were emphasized included the need for respect for the rule of law, protection of the Ukrainian language, and support for the development of a strong civil society. The discussion took place against a backdrop of mutual understanding regarding the complexity of current issues inUkraine, as well as recognition that significant changes will take time.
In addition, information regarding upcoming events was shared, including commemorations for Ukrainian Independence Day and for the 80th anniversary of the Holodomor. A final important focus of the day’s meeting concerned opportunities for exchanges and cooperation between Ukrainian students inCanadaand Ukrainian students inUkraine. Several ideas were exchanged and discussed, and SUSK looks forward to their further development through cooperation with Ambassador Prystaiko and the Embassy.
Embassy coverage of the meeting can be read here: http://canada.mfa.gov.ua/ua/press- center/news/14005-posol-vadim-pristajko-nagolosiv-na-gotovnosti-sprijati-rozbudovi- kontaktiv-sojuzu-ukrajinsykogo-studentstva-kanadi-z-jihnimi-partnerami-z-ukrajini
