MP BEZAN HIGHLIGHTS MORE CANADIAN SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE
Canada, along with other G-7 states, the EU and Ukraine, announced on April 29th an additional financial package for the completion of the Chornobyl shelter, during a pledging conference in London, United Kingdom. Canada pledged €8.75 million (approximately $12 million) toward completion of the project.
These contributions will go toward the construction of the New Safe Confinement structure, which is intended to cover the destroyed unit 4 reactor at Chornobyl, the site of the world’s worst nuclear accident. This commitment is a further expression of Canada’s support for a secure and prosperous Ukraine. Canada has been a global leader in supporting the ongoing transition in Ukraine, as it tackles the challenges before it.
On April 28, 2015, the Honourable Chris Alexander, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, announced, on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, an additional $19.7 million contribution to support municipal democracy and economic development in Ukraine, as well as an additional $15 million in humanitarian assistance. This assistance aims to support Ukraine in undertaking key reforms and to provide relief to those affected by the conflict caused by Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine.
Quick Facts
• To date, Canada has provided approximately $105 million to the Chornobyl projects. This current pledge of approximately $12 million follows a previous contribution of $30 million, which was announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2011.
• The international community, led by the G-7, the EU and Ukraine, has committed an estimated €1.2 billion (approximately $1.7 billion) to the Chernobyl Shelter Fund.
• On behalf of the international community, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) manages two donor funds that finance the decommissioning infrastructure and related works in Chornobyl.
• The Partnership for Local Economic Development and Democratic Governance project, to be implemented by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), is aimed at promoting effective democratic governance and economic development at the local level in four different regions of Ukraine, representing a mix of geographic, economic and cultural contexts.
• Since the beginning of the crisis in Ukraine in 2013, Canada has been at the forefront of supporting Ukraine’s efforts to restore stability and implement democratic and economic reforms.
• In 2014, Ukraine was reconfirmed as a country of focus for Canada’s international development efforts.
• Since January 2014, the Government of Canada has announced over $578 million in assistance to Ukraine, which includes support for economic stabilization, democracy and human rights, humanitarian assistance and security. This also includes two $200-million low-interest loans to help the Government of Ukraine stabilize its economy.
Quotes
“Canada applauds the commitment of the international community to provide additional funding toward the reconstruction of the Chornobyl site into a safe and stable condition for the benefit of the people of Ukraine. Support for Ukrainians and their government remains a top priority for the Government of Canada, now more than ever.”
-James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake
“The announcement to support municipal democracy and economic development in Ukraine reaffirms Canada's commitment to building sound public institutions and supporting long-term economic prosperity for the well-being of the Ukrainian people. This initiative will help institutionalize democracy at the municipal level and will assist the people of Ukraine to fully realize their democratic rights and responsibilities to the benefit of their local and regional economies. Canada remains a world leader in helping to promote democratic values and stimulate sustainable economic growth in Ukraine.”
James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake
