Canada's PM Harper Recognises Ukraine's Independence Day

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the 18^th Anniversary of Ukrainian independence, taking place on August 24, 2009:

“On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I want to congratulate the people of Ukraine and Canadians of Ukrainian heritage as they celebrate the 18th  Anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.

“Canada and Ukraine have a special bond that goes back more than a century. More than 130,000 Ukrainian immigrants came to Canada during our country’s early years.  The legacy of those early settlers is felt today in the proud and thriving Ukrainian communities we see throughout Canada.

“The people of Canada were proud to support the courageous Ukrainians who, at great risk, fought for the right to self-determination. Canada was the first Western country  to recognize Ukraine after it broke free from Soviet domination. Today, we are proud to count Ukrainians – a free people living in a free nation – among our closest friends.

“Canadians were delighted to host a state visit from President Viktor Yushchenko, who made history last year when he addressed Canada’s Parliament. Our government  acted to provide redress to the families of Ukrainians who were unjustly detained during the First World War. Our government also supported a Parliamentary motion that made Canada the first country in the world to provide the long-overdue recognition that the Holodomor was an act of genocide. We continue to support Ukraine in its efforts to become a full member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

“As Prime Minister, I am proud to lead a government that counts a free, proud and independent Ukraine as one of its closest friends.  As a Canadian, I am grateful for the tremendous contributions that Canadians of Ukrainian heritage have made to our country’s culture, history, economy and way of life. Ours is a strong and special bond, and we should all look forward to building on it in the future.”