Over 350 delegates welcome Prime Minister, Dignitaries
October 28, 2022. WINNIPEG, MB. Over 350 delegates welcomed the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, Cabinet Ministers, high-ranking government officials and many dignitaries, as the XXVII Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians began its work today.
Addressing the Congress, Prime Minister Trudeau stated, “Canada and Ukraine are united – not just by the strong ties between our peoples, but also by our fundamental belief in freedom, in democracy, in justice, and in the triumph of light over darkness. As Russia continues its illegal and unjustifiable aggression against Ukraine, Canada will continue to support the Ukrainian government and people. In standing up for themselves, Ukrainians are standing up for democracy everywhere.”
Prime Minister Trudeau announced that the Government of Canada will issue Ukraine Sovereignty Bonds – the equivalent proceeds of which will be channeled directly to Ukraine through the International Monetary Fund. The bonds will help the Ukrainian government continue operations and continue to provide essential services to Ukrainians.
The opening ceremony of the Congress, including Prime Minister Trudeau’s speech, can be viewed here:
“The Ukrainian Canadian community welcomes today’s announcement of Ukraine Sovereignty Bonds by Prime Minister Trudeau. This is a ground-breaking investment in a peaceful, democratic and just future, not only for Ukraine, but for all of Europe,” stated Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. “The UCC calls on all states who believe in freedom and liberty to follow Canada’s example.”
During the first day of the XXVII Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians (October 28-30), which will elect the leadership and set the policy direction of the Ukrainian Canadian community for the next three years, delegates heard addresses and remarks from:
- The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance;
- The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence
- Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine; (by video)
- Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine; (by video)
- Oleksiy Reznikov, Minister of Defence of Ukraine; (by video)
- James Bezan, MP, Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman, who spoke on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Pierre Poilievre;
- The Honourable Heather Stefanson, Premier of Manitoba;
- Scott Gillingham, Mayor-elect of Winnipeg.
The Congress delegates also had the opportunity to hear a timely and captivating discussion of the impact of Russia’s war on human rights in Ukraine, moderated by the Honourable Raynell Andreychuk, former Senator, with the Honourable Bob Rae, Canada’s Ambassador to the UN, (by video) Ms. Oleksandra Matviichuk (by video), head of the Center for Civil Liberties, which recently received a Nobel Prize for its work.
More information on todays’ work of the Congress – including reports from the UCC President, Canada-Ukraine Foundation, Shevchenko Foundation, and the Holodomor Awareness Committee will be provided in the coming days.
