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Toronto, July 31, 2009 – Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff met today with members of the National Executive of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. The UCC delegation included among others Paul Grod, President, Alexandra Chyczij, Vice President, and Andrew Hladyshevsky Q.C., President of the Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko.
“We are pleased that we were able to share with Mr. Ignatieff many of the UCC’s objectives and that we addressed many important issues to our community and to all Canadians,” said Paul Grod. “Our discussion touched on a number of important issues, which included Canada-Ukraine relations, multiculturalism, immigration, as well as a host of other issues.”
“I look forward to an ongoing dialogue with the Ukrainian Canadian community about important issues to them and to all Canadians. The UCC can be assured of the Liberal Party’s and my personal support for Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration and in particular, Ukraine’s admission into NATO. I have a clear appreciation of the challenges Ukraine has faced in the past, and may face in the future, concerning its sovereignty and territorial integrity. I am already on the record for saying that no one but the Ukrainian people should decide their nation’s destiny,” stated Michael Ignatieff.
“We had a very fruitful discussion about immigration from Ukraine and were delighted that Mr. Ignatieff has pledged his support for a Canadian Consulate in Lviv to facilitate greater numbers of immigrants from Ukraine, which is the homeland of many prominent Canadians, including the late Justice John Sopinka, former Governor General Ramon Hnatyshyn, and Alberta’s Premier Ed Stelmach,” said Paul Grod.
The Liberal Leader expressed dismay about funding cuts to Radio Canada International which resulted in the cancellation of broadcasting in the Ukrainian language. “It is unfortunate that Ukraine was singled out. This flies in the face of Canada’s commitment to the democratic development of Ukraine. In a country where many parts of the population have access only to Russian media, this will deprive many Ukrainians who listened to this broadcast of a valuable source of independent information,” said Michael Ignatieff.
During the meeting, the following topics were also addressed:
- Development of mutually beneficial bi-lateral relationships between Canada and Ukraine;
- The strategic, geopolitical and economic importance of Ukraine to Canada; and
- An affirmation of the fundamental principles of the Multiculturalism Act, to ensure that in its implementation, this legislation meets the needs of all of Canada’s multicultural communities and that all communities receive the benefit of this legislation in proportion to the size of their community in Canada.
“We were particularly pleased to receive Mr. Ignatieff’s assurances of the deep affection and respect he has for the Ukrainian people,” said Paul Grod.
Mr. Ignatieff repeated comments that he made in Edmonton on June 30th and again in Winnipeg on July 2, 2009, saying “I understand that my book and documentary Blood and Belonging contained statements that are offensive. I used derogatory terms, with which I wish to disassociate myself. These prejudices are wrong and I reject them absolutely. I believe that the Ukrainian people are a great nation and support the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.”
Both Mr. Ignatieff and Mr. Grod agreed that this meeting has enabled them to move forward in a positive spirit of cooperation.
Left to right Dr. Oleh Romanishyn (President League of Ukrainian Canadians), Zenon Potichnyj (President Canada Ukraine Chamber of Commerce), Hon. Walt Lastewka, Hon. MI Leader of the Official Opposition, PG, AC, Danylo Korbabicz (Vice President SUSK), AS, AH.
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