Liberals Accuse Harper Government of Downplaying Democratic Needs of Ukraine

Ottawa – The Harper Conservative government must help democracy prevail in the upcoming Ukraine elections by sending enough election observers from Canada. Liberals are demanding that the government boost resources to help strengthen democracy in Ukraine with more observers. On December 4, Liberal MP Ralph Goodale stated in The House of Commons during Question Period “More Canadian Observers are needed to help monitor the presidential election in Ukraine in January.” The Liberal House Leader went on to say “The leading expert on this issue, Mr. Davydovych, says Canada should match what we did so well in 2004. In that election – beyond the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe – Canada sent 500 additional observers. They’re needed again. The stakes are high. Ukrainian democracy is being tested. Legitimacy is crucial. Why has this government slashed Canada’s support by nearly 90 percent?”

Mr. Goodale’s comments echoed those of Ukrainian-Canadian MP Borys Wrzesnewskyj who earlier in the week explained the importance of Canada’s participation to the monitoring mission.

“It is critical that a country like ours, where so many citizens have ties to Ukraine, continues to assist them in developing their democratic system through free and fair elections,” said the Etobicoke Centre MP. 

“The need has not diminished since 2004 and, as a key emerging democracy in the region, it is incumbent on the global democratic community to ensure Ukraine has the resources it needs to ensure fully transparent and accountable elections,” said Goodale.

“The government must demonstrate with tangible resources that Canada’s commitment to strengthening democracy in Ukraine has not wavered since 2004,” stated the Wascana MP. “The cost to Canada would be less than $3 million, about the same as the cost of 10 days of Conservative tax-paid advertising.”