Ukraine Reform Conference starts in Toronto
July 2, 2019. TORONTO. A delegation of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) led by UCC National President Alexandra Chyczij met with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Toronto today.
The delegation discussed the activities and work of the Ukrainian Canadian community with President Zelenskyy and described the priorities of the UCC in relations with Ukraine.
Chyczij congratulated President Zelenskyy on his election victory, and stressed that the Ukrainian Canadian community will continue to offer strong support to Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression; support Ukraine’s continued NATO and EU integration and reform efforts; and support the development of the Ukrainian language as the sole state language.
President Zelenskyy stated, “The Constitution stipulates that the only official language in Ukraine is Ukrainian. As President and guarantor of the Constitution, I will defend the Ukrainian language, our sovereignty and our course towards Europe and NATO.”
Alexandra Chyczij stated, “We are pleased to see the President voice support for Ukraine’s further path to integration with the West and the development of the Ukrainian language. We will continue to work with Ukraine on these goals and priorities. We thank President Zelenskyy for the opportunity to have a constructive dialogue and look forward to a broader community meeting on President Zelenskyy’s next visit to Canada.”
The UCC also accompanied President Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska to the Toronto Holodomor Memorial, where they paid tribute to the victims of the Holodomor Famine-Genocide of 1932-33. President Zelenskyy and the First Lady also had the opportunity to view the Holodomor National Awareness Tour Bus. At the Holodomor Monument, schoolchildren from St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic School presented President Zelenskyy with a card of messages of support for Ukrainian sailors illegally imprisoned by Russia.
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, and President Zelenskyy attended and addressed the Ukraine Reform Conference, which is co-hosted by Canada and Ukraine, being held in Toronto July 2-4. The ministerial meeting of the Ukraine Reform Conference was held today, and two days of discussions will follow on July 3-4 at Ukraine House. More information on the Ukraine Reform Conference is available here: https://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/campaign-campagne/ukraine_reform-reformes/index.aspx?lang=eng
