The Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Federation

August 8, 1999

Dear Friends,

Prior to standing for President of the Ukrainian Canadian Business and Professional Federation (UCPBF), I took the liberty of putting together some thoughts on what might be the Federation's agenda for the next 24 months.

This was the result.

Since July, we have had the Convention and several Executive/Board meetings that are beginning to advance the agenda. Nonetheless, in these early stages of our mandate, it would be very welcome to have the members' reaction to this concept piece - to hear your views on what needs to be done in the next two years to make our Federation and our community as viable as we would like it to be.

I look forward to your comments.

Oksana Bashuk Hepburn

PROPOSED PRIORITIES and PLANS 1999 - 2001 for the UCPBF Prepared by Oksana Bashuk Hepburn (amended 8/8/99)

Purpose

The purpose of this concept paper is to present some preliminary thoughts on the priorities, plans and activities for the Federation's 1999-2001 term, and solicit input.

Background

The Federation has had a fine record since the 1960's of focussing attention of Ukrainian Canadians on the business and professional aspects of their community lives.

The Federation has the reputation of attracting younger professional members who have not turned to the more established groups for inclusion or who have decided to "double up" on memberships.

Through the decades the Federation has distinguished itself as the leader and supporter of such major initiatives in Canada as the CIUS, CFUS, Toronto University Ukrainian Chair, UCCLA, CUBI, Shevchenko Foundation and UCC. Thus, its interests span academic, justice, CanadaUkraine relations and Ukrainians in Canada interests and issues.

Recently, the Ukrainian community has felt the sting of the passing of our "golden era" in Canada. Only a few years ago prominent Ukrainians occupied the highest positions of power at the national level: Rt.Hon. Ray Hnatyshyn Governor General of Canada; Mr. Justice John Sopinka, Supreme Court Justice; Rt. Hon. Don Mazenkowski, Deputy Prime Minister. Their passage has created a vacuum at a time when key issues require the hearts and minds of our best and brightest.

The issues are serious. Among them is our concern for:

• accessibility and representation to the top levels of Canada's public and private sectors in the context of retaining and enhancing "our place" in Canada
• the fairness and equal treatment of the judicial process
• greater effectiveness of relations between Canada and Ukraine

Goals and Objectives

The UCPBF is well situated to address and move these issues. The stated goals are firm; yet general enough to allow the inclusion of today's concerns. Paraphrased briefly, they seek to

• advance the business and professional well being of the members and by extension the Ukrainian community
• deal with current issues

Priorities and Plans 1999 - 2001

In order to advance the Federation's mandate, during its tenure the Executive will aim to focus on the following:

1. Advancement of members' well being by:
   • Representing the Federation's interests in the federal government's jurisdiction including such departments and agencies as the Treasury Board, Public Service Commission, Human Rights Commission, Justice, Human Resources, Heritage by
     • active dialogue with the Multicultural sector of Heritage
     • proposing changes to the Human Rights legislation that discriminate, via omission, against males of non founding/non-designated groups
     • assisting other appropriate institutions like UCC, ImmigrationServices, UCCLA in the achievement of those aspects of their mandates that effect the Federation's membership
   • Representing the Federation's interests at the appropriate levels inthe various provincial departments and agencies by developing appropriate strategies along the federal model outlined above; and developing a private sector strategy
   • Establishing and disseminating data relating to vacancies and qualifications for various appointments to ensure the Federation members' accessibility
   • Pursuing other initiatives as they arise
2. Some Other Current Issues
   • Multiculturalism
     • establish an ongoing dialogue and evaluation of the underpinning policies of the Canadian identity
   • Justice
     • support interventions to ensure an impeccable justice system in Canada
     • support UCC with its Genocide Museum and UN resolution efforts
   • Canada Ukraine Relations
     • assess approaches and intervene with appropriate government agencies including Privy Council, Foreign Affairs, CIDA to ensure effective policies and programs are in place to stimulate relations
     • assess and intervene at the Embassy of Ukraine level to promote good relations
   • Deal with other issues as they arise

   Oksana Bashuk Hepburn
   President

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