UCC meets with Minister Bibeau on Canada’s international assistance for Ukraine
May 18 2017 – A UCC delegation led by National President Paul Grod met with the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada’s Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, in Ottawa on May 18.
The UCC briefed Minister Bibeau about the community’s projects in support of Ukraine’s most vulnerable, especially women and children who represent many of the more than 1.5 million people internally displaced as a result of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“It was a good opportunity to discuss a number of important development issues affecting Ukraine. The meeting was constructive and I welcomed the chance to meet and to hear the views of UCC on how best to support Ukraine moving forward,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie.
Grod and Minister Bibeau discussed future opportunities for cooperation, in particular the most effective ways the UCC can support Canada’s ongoing technical and humanitarian assistance. The UCC believes that our community can play a very positive role in helping to ensure the effectiveness of projects and program in Ukraine.
“Canada’s contribution to the international effort to alleviate the suffering caused by Russia’s invasion has helped address the humanitarian crisis. Canada’s support for Ukraine’s government and civil society is crucial in ensuring the success of the comprehensive reforms underway in Ukraine,” stated Grod. “The results of these efforts have so far been impressive, but there is more to do. We look forward to working with the Minister of International Development to ensure that further Canadian assistance continues to make a difference.”
Joining Grod at the meeting were Alexandra Chyczij, UCC First Vice President; Ruslana Wrzesnewskyj, Help Us Help The Children; John Holuk, chair of UCC’s Ukraine Appeal; and Ihor Michalchyshyn, UCC CEO.
UCC presented Minister Bibeau with a traditional Ukrainian embroidered blouse on the occasion of Vyshyvanka Day.
