Mulroney Recognition in Ottawa

NP – The Ukrainian Canadian Congress, in partnership with the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada, is organizing a testimonial dinner in honour of The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney and recognition of his role in the development of friendly Canada – Ukraine relations. The event takes place on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel. It pays tribute to Mr. Mulroney who was Prime Minister when Canada officially recognized Ukraine following its proclamation of independence in August 1991 and Referendum Vote in December 1991. The highlights of the evening’s programme are awards presentations. Mr. Mulroney is recipient of Ukraine’s Order of Kniaz Yaroslav Mudryi which was decreed by Ukraine’s President Victor Yushchenko, to be presented by Ukraine’s Ambassador Ihor Ostash. Orysia Sushko, UCC President will present Mr. Mulroney with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Taras Shevchenko Medal.

Canada’s recognition of Ukraine continues to be highly regarded by Canadians of Ukrainian heritage and citizens of Ukraine. Expressed appreciation of former Prime Minister Mulroney’s leadership in not without criticism. The Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Federation’s opposition to the testimonial dinner stems from Mr. Mulroney’s actions against the Ukrainian Canadian community and the UCC’s “dubious and untimely political venture with a foreign government”. UCPBF President Mykhailo Wawryshyn stated in a letter to the UCC that “it was this former Prime Minister who initiated the Deschenes Commission on Feb. 7, 1985” and in the words of defence lawyer John Sopinka (thrust) “an unwarranted attack upon the integrity and reputation of the Ukrainian Canadian Community.” Wawryshyn continues with the hope that “there is no surrogate initiative …where foreign parties, in this case the Government of Ukraine, seeks to pay tribute to a Canadian politician … (who) did an injustice to our Community.” Wawryshyn adds “we may be imminently entering into a Federal Election campaign, and honouring an individual clearly connected to a particular political party makes little tactful sense.”

In addition to Canada’s leadership and historic relationship with Ukraine, it is important to remember that while in Office, Mr. Mulroney appointed prominent Ukrainian Canadians to positions of high rank in Canada, for example: John Sopinka as Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, Ramon Hnatyshyn as Governor-General of Canada and; Raynell Andreychuk to the Senate of Canada.

For further information about the UCC Mulroney Testimonial Dinner, under the patronage of the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada, please contact the UCC Headquarters in Winnipeg at 1-866-942-4627 or by e-mail at ucc@ucc.ca. Tickets are $150, to be reserved by April 10.