UCC Montreal 18^th Annual Independence Banquet A Success

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), Montreal Branch, held its annual banquet marking the 18th Anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence on Monday, August 24, 2009 at the Ukrainian Youth Centre, organized by the UCC Cultural Committee. This year’s banquet had a strong response from and participation by representatives of various political parties in Quebec.  Cocktails by invitation-only for UCC’s VIP guests and members of the UCC branch executive were held at 6 pm., followed by the dinner-banquet attended by 150 guests.

The evening’s celebration was formally opened by Marika Putko, President of UCC Montreal. A special greeting was received from President Victor Yushchenko via The Embassy of Ukraine in Canada and read by Ambassador Ihor Ostash.  The main guest of honour from Ottawa was Mr. Borys Wrzesnewskyj, Liberal Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre in Toronto. In his banquet address, he reaffirmed his and the Liberal Party’s unwavering commitment to assist Ukraine in its continuous efforts to develop into a truly democratic society despite the destructive legacy of Soviet rule. He outlined some of the difficult challenges ahead. At the end of his speech, he received a standing ovation.

Also present was Madame Louise Beaudoin, deputy from Rosemount (in the Quebec National Assembly), representing the Parti Qubcois.  In her speech, she made a surprising and very welcomed announcement that, she will make every effort for the Government of Quebec to recognize Ukraine’s 1932-1933 famine as genocide.  She stressed that she has full confidence this will be passed unanimously by all Quebec parties this fall.

Mr. Bernard Bigras, Bloc Quebecois MP from Rosemont-La Petite Patrie, in his remarks also stated that the Quebec government will recognize the 1932-1933 famine as genocide.  Others present were Ms. Beatrice Pepper representing Prime Minister Steven Harper who read a special greeting on his behalf and the Government of Canada; Ms. Svetlana Litvin, political attach in the office of Madame Yolande James, Quebec’s Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities; Rev. Deacon Andrij Onuferko from Ottawa, representing the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Eastern Canada; and Rev. Deacon Evhen Rudych of Montreal, representing the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.  The evening’s Master of Ceremonies was Orest Humennyj and entertainment followed the speeches and greetings.

Radio publicity was courtesy of Simon Kouklewsky, producer of “Ukrainskyj Chas” radio programme. The independence banquet organizing committee included Marika Putko, chairperson; Bohdanna Klecor-Hawryluk, Zorianna Hrycenko-Luhova, Pavlo Showhaniuk, Boris Mospan, Evhen Osidacz, and Vasyl Grosko. Thanks go to Marie-Marta Markiza, Marko Farmus, Mr. Prokaziuk, Andrij Mazepa, Bohdan Klymchuk, and Danylo Iwansky for assisting.  Programmes were printed courtesy of Caisse Populaire Desjardins Ukrainienne de Montreal.

Celebration of Ukraine’s Independence continued with the 10th Annual Montreal Ukrainian Festival held September 12 and 13 in Parc de l’Ukraine in the Rosemount area. The festival organizing committee was headed by Christine Kozak.  UCC had an information table for the thousands of visitors attending.