On November 25, 2019 the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, along with UCC Alberta Provincial Council and UCC Edmonton branch welcomed Petro Poroshenko, Fifth President of Ukraine, and former First Lady Dr. Maryna Poroshenko to Edmonton as part of their private visit to Canada.
Mr. Poroshenko is the fifth President of Ukraine (2014-2019) and currently a Member of Ukraine’s Parliament and Leader of the European Solidarity Party in Ukraine’s Parliament.
Upon landing in Edmonton, a delegation of youth including from Shumka Ukrainian Dancers, met the Poroshenko’s at the Edmonton International Airport along with leadership from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
The formal program on November 25 began with a Holodomor commemoration at Holodomor Memorial located at Edmonton City Hall. The service was led by His Grace Bishop Ilarion from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. Following the service, Mr. & Mrs. Poroshenko also viewed the Madonna of the Wheat statue located at Edmonton City Hall, which was placed by the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada to honour pioneer women.
The delegation then travelled to the grounds of the Alberta Legislature. Their first stop was to view the Ukrainian Centennial Pioneer Monument, which stands prominently near the Legislature. Mr. Poroshenko held a private meeting with Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, while Dr. Maryna Poroshenko toured the Alberta Legislature.
On Monday afternoon, President Petro Poroshenko gave a guest lecture to a packed hall at the University of Alberta. Organized by the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies (CIUS), Mr. Poroshenko spoke on the theme of “Geopolitical Challenges for Ukraine and Ukrainians in the World”.
The full video of his presentation is available online below
Following the program at the University of Alberta, the Poroshenko’s paid a visit to the new Ukrainian Consulate in Edmonton, where they signed the guest book and met with staff.
In the evening, President Poroshenko was the guest of honour at a special banquet co-organized by the national Ukrainian Canadian Congress, UCC Alberta Provincial Council and UCC Edmonton branch. The sold-out event featured remarks by Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, MP Garnett Genuis, UCC Alberta Provincial Council President Orysia Boychuk and UCC Vice President Olesia Luciw-Andryjowycz.
President Poroshenko presented Alexandra Chyczij with a battle worn Ukrainian flag from the front lines of Avdiivka in Eastern Ukraine as a thank you for ongoing support of Ukraine by the Ukrainian Canadian community. He provided keynote remarks, including a sincere thank you both both Premier Kenney and Deputy Prime Minister Freeland for their immense to supporting Ukraine during difficult times.
