Statements by Government
of Canada on 20th
Anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence
The Right Honourable
Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada:
“Twenty years ago, on August 24th, 1991, Ukraine seceded from the USSR and asserted itself as a
sovereign state.
“[Canada] continues to be a
strong proponent of Ukraine’s democratization, given
that Canadians and Ukrainians share a steadfast respect for freedom, human
rights and the rule of law…
“More than 1.2 million Canadians trace their ancestry to Ukraine and we are proud this
year to mark the 120th anniversary of Ukrainian settlement in Canada. Ukrainian Canadians
continue to make significant contributions to Canada’s cultural, political
and economic life and have played a major role in the development of the Canada we know today.
“As I expressed during my visit to Kyiv last October, Canada will continue to
strengthen bilateral ties with Ukraine and help in the building
of a democratic, independent and prosperous society.
“On behalf of all Canadians, Laureen and I extend our best wishes
to all Ukrainians and Canadians of Ukrainian heritage celebrating this
important anniversary.”
The Honourable Jason
Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, and the
Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation (issued
jointly):
“[Upon] Ukraine’s declaration of
independence in 1991, Canada was the first Western
nation to recognize Ukraine’s independence,
reflecting the strong ties between our countries.
“Canadians and Ukrainians share many of the same fundamental
values, including our support for freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule
of law. The Government of Canada is working with the Government of Ukraine to
help realize the country’s full economic potential in a strengthened democracy.
‘For all Canadians, Ukraine's Independence Day
provides an excellent opportunity to learn about Ukrainian culture and
traditions, and to reflect on the tremendous contributions of the Ukrainian
community to Canada’s rich and diverse
heritage.”