Ukrainian Flag on

Parliament Hill in Ottawa

Stephen Harper says the Ukrainian flag flying on Parliament Hill illustrates Canada’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

Rally Suports Ukraine

in Ottawa

Rally Suports Ukraine

in Houston, Texas

Baird Promotes Territorial Integrity

 and National Unity in Ukraine

February 28, 2014 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird wrapped up a successful mission to Ukraine, where he and the Canadian delegation of parliamentarians and representatives of the Ukrainian community met with key members of the new government.

Baird met with acting president Oleksander Turchynov, Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, acting foreign minister Andriy Deschytsya, Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform leader Vitali Klitschko, All-Ukrainian Union Svoboda leader Oleh Tyahnybok, Chair of the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Group Volodymyr Polochaninov, former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, as well as other opposition and civil society members.

He also met with the major organizers of Maidan civil society, representatives from Ukraine’s religious communities including Crimean Tatars, and visited the medical centre at St. Michael’s Monastery, where he announced increased financial support for providing medical care to injured protesters.

Members of the Canadian delegation walked through the Maidan and paid their respects to the fallen protesters who died for the cause of democracy. “Their sacrifice in the defence of their democracy and freedom has brought change to this country,” said Baird. “They will not be forgotten.”

Baird congratulated the new government and emphasized the need to honour the 1994 Budapest Declaration’s commitment to Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty and national unity at this critical time. He also reiterated Canada’s support for Ukraine and its efforts to rebuild the country, including through the International Monetary Fund, following the instability and violence of the last 100 days. Many of his meetings featured discussions on ways to reduce corruption, combat money laundering and manage the financial transition.

“Canada remains committed to working in concert with our allies to develop a plan to assist Ukraine’s economic and democratic future,” said Baird.

The Canadian delegation consisted of Ted Opitz, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre; James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk—Interlake; Senator Raynell Andreychuk; Victor Hetmanczuk, President and CEO, Canada-Ukraine Foundation; Paul Grod, President, Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC); Taras Zalusky, Executive Director, UCC; and Krystina Waler, board member, Ukrainian Canadian Professionals and Business Association.

MPs Opitz And Bezan Return From Ukraine

(March 3, 2014 – Ottawa, ON) Members of Parliament Ted Opitz (Etobicoke Centre) and James Bezan (Selkirk-Interlake) arrived in Ottawa Sunday evening following the official Canadian mission to meet with the new transition Government of Ukraine, which was led by Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird. Upon their return they issued the following joint statement:

“We were honoured to represent the Government of Canada and assist Minister Baird in strengthening the bilateral relationship with the new Ukrainian transitional government. Canada was the first western country to visit the new transitional Government, further underscoring Canadian leadership and support for Ukraine.

“As we paid our respects to Ukrainians killed and injured on the Maidan, we heard their stories of self-sacrifice and perseverance. It is because of the courage and will of the people of Ukraine that they were able to defeat the corrupt Yanukovych regime.

“President Putin’s invasion of Crimea is deeply troubling and provocative, and clearly violates Russia’s obligations under international law. We join with Prime Minister Harper and Minister Baird in the growing worldwide condemnation of Russia. Over the past days, Prime Minister Harper announced that Canada has suspended engagement in preparations for the G-8 Summit planned for Sochi, recalled our Ambassador to Russia and we raised strong objection to Russia’s Ambassador to Canada. Finally, the G7 has spoken with one voice in condemning President Putin’s military intervention in Ukraine.

“Russia must immediately withdraw their troops. As Minister Baird made clear, if President Putin continues on this course of action, it will lead to ongoing negative consequences to Canada-Russia relations.

“We heard loud and clear from Ukraine’s government leaders and the Maidan activists that they appreciate the strong and principled support for the people of Ukraine by Prime Minister Harper and the Government of Canada. They know that Canada will continue to stand with them during this pivotal moment in Ukraine’s history.”