Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Regina.
The two days of the historic XXV Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians concluded in Regina, SK, with over 250 delegates taking part in discussions that will set the agenda and priorities for the Ukrainian Canadian community for the next three years.
The first day of the XXV Congress opened with Engage-Inspire-Empower presentations on a series of ongoing, new and important community projects honoring and commemorating our past.
The XXV Congress was officially opened by MaryAnn Trischuk, President of the Saskatchewan Provincial Council of the UCC. The Honourable Greg Ottenbreit, Saskatchewan's Minister Responsible for Rural and Remote Health, brought greetings on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan and the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Canada's Minister of Public Safety, brought greetings on behalf of the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau.
Ukraine's 1st Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Trade Stepan Kubiv and Vice Prime Minister Vyacheslav Kyrylenko addressed the XXV Congress on behalf of the Government of Ukraine.
“Today – Ukraine is united. The President, Government, and Parliament are working together on important and complex reforms. We have begun systemic changes in the country, achieved economic stabilization and GDP growth,” stated Vice Prime Minister Kubiv. “Ukraine is demonstrating decisiveness in the reform process. That is why the support of Canada's Ukrainian community is so needed and so valuable. Thanks to this support, we will triumph in the battle for a worthy future for Ukraine.”
Following the opening ceremony, the delegates of the Congress adopted the program, elected the Resolutions Committee, approved the Minutes of the XXIV Congress (2013), and heard the reports of the Verification, Nominations, Finance, and Audit Committees.
At lunch, Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of International Trade, delivered a passionate and moving keynote address to the Congress. “Canada is determined to support the Ukrainian people as they work to build a more secure, stable and prosperous Ukraine,” Minister Freeland stated. “Our new free trade agreement will help create economic growth and more jobs for Ukrainians and Canadians, especially for the middle class and those working hard to join it.”
Paul Grod, the National President of the UCC, then delivered his report to the XXV Congress. Grod highlighted the accomplishments of the UCC over the past three years, and the work of its member organizations who work in all areas of Ukrainian community life in Canada – education, health, youth engagement, service groups, and caring for our elderly. Grod also underlined the UCC's role in supporting the people and government of Ukraine as Ukraine battles Russia's aggression and undertakes a comprehensive reforms process.
“I would like to thank the thousands of volunteers who contribute so selflessly and tirelessly to the successes of our community,” Grod stated. “Moving to the future, we must continue our community's great work, and redouble our efforts in support of the people of Ukraine.”
In the afternoon, breakout sessions focused on developing priorities, strategies and future direction for the UCC. The themes included:
– Is Ukraine Open for Business?
– Ukrainian Education in Canada;
– Effective Communications Strategies for the Ukrainian Community;
– Best Practices in Not-for-Profit Governance;
– Giving Voice to Ukrainian Canadian stories – Kobzar Award Winners
In the evening, delegates and guests were treated to a Gala showcase at the Conexus Arts Centre featuring some of Canada's top Ukrainian entertainers.
On the second day of the XXV Triennial Congress Plenary Sessions focused on:
– Post-Maidan Ukraine: Expressing the Sovereign Will of the Ukrainian People
– Shoulder to Shoulder: Canada's Support for Ukraine – humanitarian, security and political – what's next
– The 75th Anniversary and Shevchenko Medals Presentations Banquet took place.
More than 250 delegates of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) welcomed Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Stéphane Dion.
Speaking at the afternoon plenary session on the topic of Canada's support for Ukraine, Minister Dion announced that Canada will provide up to $8.1 million in new funding to support the National Police of Ukraine. The new funding includes:
– up to $6.6 million over three years in support of a Police Training Assistance Project for Ukraine, including up to $100,000 for monitoring and evaluation activities, to support cadet and leadership training, outreach and public engagement activities, and the development of a police academy;
– up to $1.5 million toward the Ukraine Police Equipment Project to better equip the National Police of Ukraine, thereby transforming it into a more effective police service; and
– up to $40,000 through the Ukrainian Canadian Congress's Ukraine Appeal, which collected funds for shipping and logistics to adapt vehicles, paramedic equipment and expertise to share with the conflict-affected people of Eastern Ukraine.
“Canada stands strongly with the people of Ukraine. We are working closely with the National Police of Ukraine to transform Ukraine's police service into an effective, accountable and community-focused institution that embodies public trust,” stated Minister Dion. “Today's announcement demonstrates our unwavering commitment to Ukraine and our encouragement of its efforts to counter corruption and secure sustainable reform.”
For the release from the Government of Canada on the new support online, please see http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=1131719&tp=1
Participating in the plenary session with Minister Dion were Vadym Prystaiko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Paul Grod, National President of the UCC.
“We thank the Government of Canada for their continuing support for Ukraine,” stated Grod. “The Ukrainian people have chosen democracy, freedom and dignity. We will continue our persistent efforts to ensure that their hopes are fulfilled and peace returns to Ukraine.”
The second day of the Congress began with a plenary session on Post-Maidan Ukraine: Battling the Russian Invasion while Reforming Ukraine's government, where Ukraine's First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Trade Stepan Kubiv, Deputy Prime Minister Vyacheslav Kyrylenko were joined by video conference from Kyiv by Canada's Ambassador to Ukraine Roman Waschuk and Former Minister of Finance of Ukraine Natalia Jaresko. The panel addressed successes and challenges in the reform process in Ukraine, and outline what we can do to help shape the new Ukraine.
Two rounds of breakout sessions followed the morning plenary, where presenters and delegates focused on developing priorities, strategies and future directions for the UCC. The breakout sessions included robust and engaging discussions on such topics as youth and newcomer engagement; Ukrainian Canadian arts and culture; immigration; fundraising; historical commemoration, and community advocacy.
In the evening, the 75th Anniversary Banquet featured presentation of thirteen Shevchenko Medals, which is the highest honour the Ukrainian Canadian community can award outstanding leaders with. Awards were presented to exceptional UCC Leadership and UCC Youth leadership award winners from across Canada.
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