Liberal MP welcomes overdue acknowledgement of Ukrainian Canadian hardships in Canada
Regina – Liberal MP Borys Wrzesnewskyj (Etobicoke Centre) praised Prime Minister Paul Martin and the Government of Canada for doing what governments of the past eighty years have failed to do – recognize the hardships suffered by Ukrainian Canadians as a result of wartime measures during World War I and immigration restrictions imposed on them by the government of the day – with a $2.5 million initial contribution towards the commemoration of the community’s experiences
Speaking following the Prime Minister’s announcement in Regina, in which an Agreement in Principle with the Ukrainian Canadian community had been outlined, Wrzesnewskyj stated:
“Representatives of the Ukrainian-Canadian community have been working on this for decades. After countless working meetings over the past year with officials in Justice, Heritage, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, I am thrilled that this very important first step towards commemorating the hardships of the community is being undertaken through this agreement in principle. I would like to thank Multiculturalism Minister Raymond Chan for his efforts. I would particularly like to thank Prime Minister Paul Martin for his personal involvement on this file. The Prime Minister has once again demonstrated his sensitivity on issues of concern for the Ukrainian Canadian community. Without him, we wouldn’t be here today.”
In keeping with the federal Government’s policy on historical redress, the 2005 federal Budget announced funding of $25 million over three years to acknowledge, commemorate and educate Canadians about the historical experiences of ethno cultural communities affected by wartime measures and immigration restrictions. Details of the Agreement in Principle with the Ukrainian- Canadian community include:
- An initial contribution of $2.5 million to the Shevchenko Foundation through the Acknowledgement, Commemoration and Education (ACE) Program;
- Co-ordination by the Shevchenko Foundation, in consultation with the Ukrainian-Canadian Congress and the Ukrainian Civil Liberties Association, the implementation of commemorative projects over the next three years on behalf of the Ukrainian-Canadian Community;
- Commencement of work by the community on proposals to help commemorate their historical experience and educate Canadians about those experiences and the contributions of the Ukrainian-Canadian Community has made to Canada.
Mr. Wrzesnewskyj is pleased to have worked closely with representatives of the Ukrainian-Canadian community and the Liberal government including Liberal M.P Walt Lastewka to broker this initial instalment of what will be a broader agreement.
For further information:
Betty Pavelich-Sirois (613) 947-5000
