Ukrainian Canadians Meet International Trade Minister

Toronto, July 28, 2010— Canada-Ukraine relations were the focus of a meeting of Ukrainian-Canadian organizations and NGO representatives with the Hon. Peter Van Loan, Canada’s Minister of International Trade. Discussion centred on the joint policy paper submitted by the delegation: “Canada’s Policy Options for Ukraine: Analysis and Recommendations.”

 Noting recent events in Ukraine, the President of Canadian Friends of Ukraine, Margareta Shpir, spoke of recent human rights violations. Chrystyna Bidiak, League of Ukrainian Canadian Women President and Orest Steciw from League of Ukrainian Canadians National Executive referenced the assault on Ukraine’s historical memory and national identity, as well as threats to Ukraine’s political and economic sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity. Borys Potapenko, also from LUC, addressed the subversive intrusion of the Russian government into Ukraine’s internal affairs and the need for Western democracies to remain politically engaged in Ukraine.

Oleh Romanyshyn, President of the League of Ukrainian Canadians, noted correspondence with Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon and reference to the bilateral agreement between Canada and Ukraine, Priorities for Canada-Ukraine Relations, known as the “Road Map.” Mr. Romanyshyn stressed that “the ‘Road Map’ is founded on Canadian values and the shared aspirations of Ukrainians… Successful implementation will require redoubling engagement efforts with Ukraine, its government and, especially, Ukrainian civic organizations, NGOs, and national democratic opposition groups.”

In thanking Minister Van Loan for the meeting, Lisa Shymko, Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Centre Chair (of the CFU) stressed the need for the Government of Canada to re-focus its engagement with Ukraine and broaden Canada’s policy-making process to include input from Ukrainian-Canadian NGOs with a track record of democracy-building in Ukraine.

Minister Van Loan briefed the delegation on recent Canada-Ukraine foreign policy and trade issues. He indicated that the Harper Government is aware of the recent actions taken by the Government of Ukraine, as well as Russia, and the potential geopolitical impact of these policies on the region. He re-affirmed Canada’s support for the protection of Ukraine’s democracy, economic freedom, security, and territorial integrity. He further noted that enhanced NGO participation in the government’s consultative process would be facilitated and the delegation’s joint submission would be carefully reviewed by Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.