November 5, 2004

Honourable Pierre S. Pettigrew, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Foreign Affairs
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Dear Minister:

RE: RADIO CANADA INTERNATIONAL

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) is appealing to you for assistance on a matter of vital importance to both Canada and Ukraine. We cannot stress enough the value of retaining the Radio Canada International Ukrainian programming as it stands today. The citizens of Ukraine regard Canada as an example of a truly democratic nation that encourages freedom of speech and the nurturing of one's heritage. They require our constant support, support which is provided by the daily RCI Ukrainian program that miraculously keeps them from giving up in their struggle for a truly democratic Ukrainian nation.

This issue was one of the topics of discussion during your meeting with Eugene Czolij and a delegation of Directors of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) in Winnipeg on October 1, 2004. In your subsequent address to the delegates you indicated that you were aware of the RCI issue and that you would work diligently to respond to the needs as outlined above.

We appreciate your assistance in extending the deadline until the end of November to accommodate the presidential elections in Ukraine, but the need for this service to the Ukrainian nation does not stop with the election.

Your immediate attention to this matter would be appreciated and we welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss the issues contained in this letter.

Sincerely
UKRAINIAN CANADIAN CONGRESS

Irene (Orysia) Sushko
President

Cc: The Honourable Liza Frulla, Minister of Heritage
Frulla.L@parl.gc.ca