This year is an important milestone, as we celebrate the Congress’ 70th anniversary and prepare to celebrate next year the 120th anniversary of Ukrainian settlement in Canada. We face a number of exciting challenges and opportunities. With a new Ukrainian government, our community, together with the Government of Canada, must proactively engage Ukraine at both the government and non-government levels if we hope that Ukraine will continue developing its democratic institutions, economic stability, civil society and national identity. There is no question that a meaningful relationship with Ukraine will have a positive influence on our community and for the future of Ukraine for decades to come.
We must at the same time be mindful of our community’s needs. We will continue to revitalize communities across Canada by engaging our constituents through traditional and non-traditional channels such as digital and social media. We are engaging our community in new ways with the establishment of a number of grassroots focused initiatives, such a National Ukrainian Arts Council, National Ukrainian School Council, National Sports Committee and National Ukrainian Media Council. We are leveraging some of the most prominent supporters of our community with the recently established UCC National Advisory Council chaired by prominent Canadian business and philanthropic leader James Temerty, C.M. We are excited that Taras Zalusky has taken on the role of Executive Director of the Congress and we anticipate opening a UCC National office in Ottawa this Fall where we can be closer to national decision makers. With all these new and significant initiatives we have doubled our operating budget and need your support to help our community reach its full potential. Your financial contribution to the UCC National Fund will go a long way to helping us achieve that goal.
For the first time in UCC’s history we are proud to host the Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians this year in Edmonton, Alberta from November 5-7. We encourage you to participate in what will be an exciting three days of celebration, meaningful policy discussions and related events which will set the future direction of our community and elect the leadership of the Congress for the next three years. I look forward to working with you to make a difference for the benefit of our community.
Paul Grod
UCC National President
