Good evening dear friends,
Reverend Fathers,
The Honourable Jason Kenney,
The Honourable Raynell Andreychuk and Mr. Robert Sopuck,
Senators and Members of Parliament,
Шановна українська громадо,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I’m extremely pleased to welcome you here today and celebrate together with you the Ukrainian Day on Parliament Hill which outlines a significant contribution, made by Ukrainians to the development of Canada as well as recognizes the heritage of the people of Ukraine throughout the world.
One hundred and twenty years ago Ukrainians sailed over the ocean and settled in an
unknown land. We all know that they left their native land not from the good life. Striving for better they arrived here. And we are grateful to Canadians that gave an opportunity for newcomers to make their new home prosperous and today – one the most powerful countries in the world.Let me express my sincerest pleasure that Ukrainians have always occupied high and respected positions in Canadian politics, business, law, media and other spheres. And of course I have to recall here the name of the Right Honourable Ramon Gnatyshyn. All of them were inspired by a dream that gave strength and aspiration for work – the dream of freedom of their nation which finally came true in 1991.
Pursuant to the Order of the President of Ukraine on celebration of the 120th Anniversary of Ukrainian settlement in Canada, the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine financially supported organization of the joint Ukrainian-Canadian Project “Talents of Ukraine”. As many of you know the tour is held from October 10 till 26, 2011 in twelve Canadian cities ranging from Vancouver to Ottawa and Montreal.
Ukraine is represented by the Donbas Honoured Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of Ukraine from Donetsk, as well as vocalists Yevgen Vaskiv and Svitlana Sasu and the violinist Inessa Tymochko from Lviv.
2011 is a very symbolic year for us as Ukraine is celebrating its twentieth Independence Day. Twenty years ago we launched a new Era in our lives and made our democratic aspirations for national self-expression come true. As you know, in the context of celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Independence of Ukraine on August 19-21, 2011 in Kyiv we held the Fifth World Forum of Ukrainians.
Over 300 delegates from different countries and Ukraine as well as special guests among Ukrainians living abroad and foreign citizens, who actively promote Ukrainian image in the world participated in the Forum and made a number of practical and important decisions. And I would like to thank you for your cooperation, emotional meetings and communication, for your care of the fate of Ukraine.
In this bright day let me cordially wish you, ladies and gentlemen, happiness, harmony and success in a fruitful cooperation for the benefit of our countries and the two peoples.
Thank you.
Слава Україні! Long live Canada!
