Canadian issues

The romantic musical "Hutsulka Ksenya" was a salient part of the program of the Ukrainian Film Days in Toronto which was held August 30 – September 1, 2019 at the Carlton Cinema. The program showcased select Ukrainian films produced in 2018: “The Wild Fields” film directed by Yaroslav Lodygin, “Donbas” satiric drama directed by Sergey Loznitsa, “Volcano” comedy and drama directed by Roman Bondarchuk, “The Stolen Princess” animated film directed by Oleg Malamuzh and the award-winning musical “Hutsulka Ksenya” by Olena Demyanenko. It is a gem of a film about the Ukrainian highlanders of the Carpathian Mountains - the Hutsuls - immersed in their unique milieu of ancient lore, legends, beliefs, mores, customs, music, songs, speech, humour, and drama, which is...

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress -Toronto Branch is eagerly anticipating the official unveiling of the Holodomor Memorial which is to be held on October 21, 2018 at the Princes’ Gates – the main entrance to the Canadian Exhibition Place in Toronto. The Holodomor Memorial Parkette which broke ground on April 11, 2017 will be a space of reflection and acknowledgement of the extreme inhumanity and tragic events that have occurred in Ukraine in 1932-33. It will be unite contemporary citizens of Toronto, of Ontario, and of all ethnic backgrounds in the spirit of mutual empathy for past sufferings, affirmation of the value of every individual human life, and aspirations for a just and humane society. Thanks to John Tory, the Mayor of Toronto, the Toronto City Council as well as the Exhibition Place Board of Governors, the construction of the Holodomor Memorial Parkette, has progressed efficiently. Toronto will join the ranks of other world renowned cities that already feature such a monument, namely Kyiv, Washington and Edmonton...

The Canadian government is expected to sign an arms export permit, which will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in deterring Russian aggression. Canada's Selkirk-Interlake MP James Bezan has said the Canadian arms company signed a contract for the supply of sniper rifles to Ukraine and is now awaiting the Canadian government's approval for their export. In an interview with UA.TV, Bezan said there was...

As a political pioneer, Michael Starr (1910-2000) accomplished many firsts and opened the political doors to other members of the various ethnocultural groups. How did a son of Ukrainian immigrants rise through the Canadian political system and reach the position of a cabinet minister? What were the steps in this political “ladder” to Ottawa? How did the ethnocultural communities contribute to Starr’s political success? This newly published study by Myron Momryk examines Mike Starr’s career in an attempt to answer some of these questions. Mike Starr became involved in municipal affairs during the...

Canada is unwavering in its support for Ukraine as that country takes the necessary steps to secure its future as a stable, democratic and prosperous country. This includes helping the Government of Ukraine advance its democratic and economic reform processes so it can be accountable to its citizens and helping rebalance socio-economic inequalities among Ukrainians. Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development, announced a new call for preliminary proposals entitled “Growth that works for everyone—Inclusive and shared prosperity in Ukraine.” The $30-million call for...

On October 17, 2017, Bill S-226, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law), received final approval in the Senate of Canada. “Bill S-226 places a discretionary tool at the government’s disposal to apply sanctions against foreign nationals responsible for, or complicit in, significant acts of corruption and gross violations of internationally recognized human rights,” said Senator Andreychuk, who is the sponsor of Bill S-226. “Through the application of asset freezes and travel bans, Canada will no longer be used to enable or shelter foreign nationals responsible for these violations.”...

Premier Kathleen Wynne released the following statement on her bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Toronto: “It was a pleasure to officially meet with President Poroshenko today. Ontario shares a special relationship with Ukraine and its people. The people of Ontario, along with other Canadians, have worked to help build a stable democracy and economy in Ukraine. “The President and I, along with Hon. Dipika Damerla, Minister of Senior Affairs, and MPP Yvan Baker, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance, spoke about strengthening the bilateral relationship between Ontario and Ukraine, exploring future areas of cooperation between our two jurisdictions and the many contributions of the Ukrainian-Canadian community to our province. President Poroshenko asked us to share our expertise in inclusive education and telemedicine, which we are committed to doing...

“I am pleased to extend my best wishes to Ontario’s Ukrainian community as we celebrate the 26th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence. “Canada is home to nearly 1.3 million Canadians of Ukrainian heritage with close to one-third calling Ontario their home. Ontario’s vibrant Ukrainian community has contributed immeasurably to our province and our country. They have played an important role in building our prosperous and pluralistic society...

Senator Raynell Andreychuk today marked Ukrainian Independence Day by reiterating calls for Russia to release political prisoners and reinstate the territorial integrity of Ukraine. “Twenty-six years ago, the people of Ukraine declared their independence with parliament’s adoption of the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine,” noted Senator Andreychuk. “This occasion marks an opportunity to acknowledge the commitment of the Ukrainian people, and the support of the Ukrainian diaspora, in building a free and independent Ukraine.”...

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Ukrainian Independence Day: “Today, Ukrainians and Ukrainian communities in Canada and around the world celebrate 26 years of independence and freedom. “As we mark both this important occasion and 150 years since Confederation, I invite Canadians to reflect on the immeasurable contribution of the Ukrainian-Canadian community to building a diverse and inclusive Canada...