Canada-Ukraine Advisory Committee Established

On February 22, 2002 in Ottawa at the residence of the Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada Dr. Yuri M. Scherbak, prominent members of the Ukrainian community in Canada held a meeting to discuss the state affairs and future directions of Canada-Ukraine relations. Members shared their views on the contribution of the Ukrainian Canadian community to the relationship between both countries. They also discussed the situation related to the forthcoming parliament’s elections being held in March 31, 2002 in Ukraine, and the possible organization of a major Canada-Ukraine forum in Canada this fall, with the participation of prominent politicians, businessmen, scientists and artists.

The outcome of the discussion was the establishment of a "Canada-Ukraine" Advisory Committee to the Ambassador of Ukraine. The main goal of this Advisory Committee is to contribute to the strengthening of bilateral Canada-Ukraine relations in all spheres of cooperation including supporting Ukraine’s initiatives in the democratization of society, economic development, and integration into the European Community; partnering in the organization of the wide range of the educational, scientific, cultural and economic workshops, conferences and other events related to current and future Canada-Ukraine relations; promoting Ukrainian masterpieces of tangible and intangible heritage; and informing Canadians about these activities.

The participants invited Mr. James C. Temerty, President of the Northland Power Inc. to act as Coordinator for the Committee.

Members of the Canada-Ukraine Advisory Committee are:

• Mr. James C. Temerty, President of the Northland Power Inc.;

• Mr. Erast Huculiak, B.S.P.,LL.D (Hon.) President & Chairman of the Board Medical Pharmacies Group Inc.;

• Mr. Orest V. Nowakiwsky, Executive Director Canadian Bank Note Company Ltd.;

• Mrs. Mary Szkambara, President Ukrainian Canadian Congress Toronto Branch;

• Mr. Rostyslav Kysil, President MEEST Corporation Inc.;

• Mr. Orest Dubas, Director Ukraine-Canada Policy & Trade Centre;

• Mrs. Oksana Bashuk-Hepburn, President Ukraine-Canada Relations Inc.;

• Prof. Ostap Hawaleshka, P. Eng, President Canada Ukraine Foundation;

• Prof. Orest Subtelny, PhD, York University;

• Dr. Dmytro Cipiwnyk, CM., MD.,D.C.L., Chair Advisory Committee on Saskatchewan-Ukraine Relations;

• Mr. Viktor Pedenko, Secretary-General Ukrainian World Congress;

• Mr. Bud Convey – Representative of the Alberta-Ukraine Council;

• Mr. John Woychyshyn, President Oleh Olzhych World Foundation, Canadian Branch.

The Advisory Committee took a decision to hold its meetings twice a year, alternatively in Ottawa and Toronto and to include not only Ukrainian Canadians but also prominent representatives of the Canadian society in its membership.