Canadian issues

        Premier Kathleen Wynne released the following statement on her bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Toronto:

        “It was a pleasure to officially meet with President Poroshenko today. Ontario shares a special relationship with Ukraine and its people. The people of Ontario, along with other Canadians, have worked to help build a stable democracy and economy in Ukraine.

        “The President and I, along with Hon. Dipika Damerla, Minister of Senior Affairs, and MPP Yvan Baker, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance, spoke about strengthening the bilateral relationship between Ontario and Ukraine, exploring future areas of cooperation between our two jurisdictions and the many contributions of the Ukrainian-Canadian community to our province. President Poroshenko asked us to share our expertise in inclusive education and telemedicine, which we are committed to doing.

        I also reiterated to President Poroshenko that Ontario is firm in our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Our government stands with the international community in our commitment to ending foreign aggression and intervention in Ukraine to ensure its freedom, democracy and independence.  We stand in solidarity with all those who seek a peaceful, democratic and independent path for Ukraine.

        “The Ukrainian-Canadian community has helped build the Ontario we know today. Our province is home to a large Ukrainian-Canadian population of approximately 350,000 people, and more Ukrainian-born newcomers call Ontario home than any other province. Last year, in the Ontario Legislature, we held a special tribute to the 125th anniversary of Ukrainian immigration to Canada. Our government is also making sure that students in Ontario learn about the Holodomor — the horrific man-made famine that starved Ukrainians living under Soviet rule. Our government has supported a mobile classroom that educates students on the Holodomor and every year on the fourth Saturday in November, Ontario officially observes Holodomor Memorial Day.

        “I was pleased to speak with President Poroshenko about the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA) that was implemented in August of this year. The agreement represents a significant milestone in our relationship, and will generate new opportunities for Canadian and Ukrainian businesses. President Poroshenko and I discussed opportunities to maximize trade for our small and medium enterprises, specifically in the IT field.

        “Recently Ontario and Ukraine have collaborated on training, education, and know­ledge-sharing initiatives. We will continue to build partnerships that will benefit both regions. I want to thank President Poroshen­ko for our meeting today. I look forward to working together to continue strengthening the relationship between Ontario and Ukraine.”