Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Program

Ottawa, November 4, 2013 – Peter Goldring, Member of Parliament for Edmonton East, rose in the House of Commons today to speak regarding the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Program.

“Mr. Speaker,

I wish to recognize 34 youthful delegates representing the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Program who have visited with us for the past seven weeks. They are here, in Members’ offices, to gain valuable Perspectives of Canada’s most important democratic institution: the PARLIAMENT OF CANADA.

Last week I met with these young people, the future leaders of Ukraine, who embody the highest ideals of achievement and community service. Young people, like ANDRII SORKHAN, from my office. We had an intriguing discussion of the role of religion in the political life of Ukraine.

Ukraine holds a special place in the hearts of Canadians. Fully 1 in 30 Canadians are of Ukrainian descent, including my wife, daughters and granddaughters. Canada was the first country in the western world to accord diplomatic recognition in 1991 to an independent Ukraine.

As the young emissaries depart, we wish them well and say to them: Mnohaya Leeta!” ( !)