MP Bezan Hosts “Round Table” Discussion with Ukrainian Interns in Ottawa

OTTAWA – November 3 - James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake, met with a group of twenty five young Ukrainian interns of the 19^th Annual Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Program (CUPP). The group discussed a number of pressing issues facing the Ukrainian community and Canada-Ukraine relations including the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement and remembrance of the Ukrainian Famine (Holodomor) and its recognition as Genocide.

“If these young people are any indication, the future of Ukraine is in  very good hands,” said Mr. Bezan. “I was pleased to engage with so many intelligent and dynamic youth, to hear their stories about the issues impacting their country, and how we can strengthen relations between our nations.”

The CUPP internship program was established in 1991 by the Chair of Ukrainian Studies Foundation in order to give Ukrainian students an opportunity to study the Canadian parliamentary system of government. Mr. Bezan has been a strong supporter of the program having hosted Ukrainian interns for the past five years.  This fall, Iryna Bilonizhka of Lviv interned in Mr. Bezan’s Hill office. Ms. Bilonizhka is in her fourth year at the University of Lviv studying International Relations and says that the internship has been an invaluable experience to help develop her studies and future career.

“I have truly enjoyed my time in Ottawa and it has given me an excellent opportunity to learn and study the Canadian ‘brand’ of democracy,” said Ms. Bilonizhka. “I have been really struck by the open-mindedness and acceptance in Canada of different religions, language and cultures. I hope to bring what I’ve learned back to Ukraine to help my country grow and develop.”

As the 19^th CUPP internship was drawing to a close, Mr. Bezan was thankful for the help Ms. Bilonizhka provided to his office over the past five weeks.  He also expressed his appreciation for the CUPP and the importance of nurturing Ukrainian-Canadian ties.

“Strong Canada-Ukraine relations are vital for the future of our countries and are supported by the vast Ukrainian community here in Canada,” said Mr. Bezan. “I will continue to push for measures to support the Ukrainian community at home and abroad, and one small but great way to do that is by supporting the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Program (CUPP).”