The Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Federation

NEWSLETTER

November 1997



Washington Conference

Nicholas Turinski, our federation vice president of government relations
spent his Thanksgiving weekend on our behalf at The Washington Group
conference, "We Can Do Better: Expanding Horizons for Ukrainian
Americans". Nicholas attended the regular sessions as well as a U.S.
federation meeting  where he reported that their challenges are similar
to ours. The general sessions very much reflected our own discussions:
how to influence government, working and building connections with
Ukraine, and accessing government grant monies.

The Washington Group also looked at activities and achievements of other
ethnic groups. The Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, his
Excellency Dr. Yuri Shcherbak spoke on strengthening ties with Ukraine. 
Many in Canada remember Dr. Shcherbak - he was one of the first
Ukrainian activists to bring to world attention the ravages of
Chernobyl.

Nicholas again stressed the need to partner with associations in the
U.S., particularly border cities like Detroit and Windsor or
Rochester/Hamilton-Toronto.  Thank you Nicholas for spending your
weekend representing our federation at this important event.

Our federation also congratulates Halia Polatajko, new president of the
Federation of Ukrainian American Business and Professional Associations.
All the best to you Halia!

UCC Constitution

Did you know that the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) Constitution
states that only a male member of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood is
allowed to be president? Did you also know that there is a women's KYK
group? Did you also know that any one of six main Ukrainian
organizations in Canada can veto any decision by UCC? Mikhailo Wawryshyn
of Toronto, our UCC representative on our board says, "I think that at
this point it is suffice to say that radical changes are needed at the
UCC." 

UCC has undertaken the important task of updating and re-writing its
constitution.  We are very much a part of UCC, and our participation is
critical. UCC will deal with this issue at its quarterly meeting at the
end of November in Winnipeg.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/CUBI

The Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce reports that its executive and
that of CUBI '97 (Canada Ukraine Business Initiative, Edmonton) have
entered into dialogue "with a view of merging their resources in one
organization".  This is good news - there is an urgent need for a
co-ordinated effort here in Canada to encourage business between Ukraine
and Canada.


Youth Projects

Our youth advisor Michael Ilnyski is actively working with the Calgary
SUSK association.  His membership is burgeoning and his enthusiasm is
infectious.  Michael is tapping into the resources of the University
with a night dealing with the Ukrainian Famine.

SUSK representative Gena Slawuta reports from Edmonton that Edmonton is
partnering with Junior Achievement for youth leadership training.


The Toronto association is already in its third year of its successful
mentorship program.  Last year there were 21 mentors registered.  This
year 9 students have already signed up in a wide variety of professions.
Congratulations!

NUTCRACKER BALLET

The Toronto Association reports that it is helping Sulyma Productions to
promote the December staging of "The Nutcracker"  ballet with the Kyiv
Ballet of the National Operation House of Ukraine and Edmonton's Shumka
Dancers which will be in Ottawa (3rd - 7th ), Mississauga (9th - 18th)
and Guelph (19th to 21st). 


 "OTHER"

: Doris Watson has submitted an application for a    Shevchenko grant to
help cover expenses for east and west leadership training sessions, in
conjunction with our regional meetings next spring.

: November 17th - Regular executive meeting with Edmonton

: November 20th - Donna to Ottawa to attend a CIDA-sponsored national
conference on the Canadian Bureau for International Education. This will
reinforce our contacts with CIDA and explore new projects.  She will
also attend the Ottawa association's Honours Dinner and Dance, with
guests, the former Governor-General, The Rt. Hon Ramon J. Hnatyshyn and
Mrs. Hnatyshyn, and His Excellency V. Furkalo and Mrs. Furkalo,
Ukraine's Ambassador to Canada.

: November 23rd - Meeting of board members in Ottawa; Ontario/Quebec
board members and association presidents invited

: November 24th - (3:30 p.m.) Board meeting of Saskatchewan members and
presidents

: November 24th - (evening) Donna and Doris Watson to attend Regina's
Nation Building Awards dinner, honouring The Honourable Roy Romanow,
premier of Saskatchewan; 

: November 25th - Donna to participate in a media forum sponsored by our
Edmonton association.

: November 29th and 30th - Board members Mikhailo Wawryshyn, John
Petryshyn and Nestor Budyk to attend UCC quarterly meeting in Winnipeg.

:December 8th - Calgary/Edmonton board executive meeting

If anyone has specific items that we need to deal with at any of our
executive or board meetings, please inform our executive v.p. Doris
Watson.  Summaries of minutes of meetings will be forwarded to all
association presidents and board members.  
 November 6, 1997

Return