The XXVIII Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians concluded on November 16th in Toronto, marking a historic gathering of over 400 delegates from coast to coast. The three-day event brought together community leaders, elected officials, and activists to set the policy agenda and elect leadership for the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) for the next three years.
The Congress opened on Friday, November 15, with delegates and guests participating in discussions under the theme “Resilient Together,” emphasizing the Ukrainian Canadian community’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing defence against Russian aggression and to strengthening community institutions across Canada.
“We are honoured to host the Triennial Congress in Toronto and grateful to the many distinguished guests who attended. Our delegates will set the direction of the UCC for the next three years,” said Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the UCC. “The UCC will continue to do all we can to make sure that Ukraine is victorious in its heroic defence of freedom against Russia’s genocidal war. From coast to coast to coast, we will keep working hard to represent the interests of our community.”
Key political figures addressed the opening session, including the Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Government of Canada, and James Bezan, MP (Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman) on behalf of the Official Opposition. Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a $50,000 contribution from the Province to support the Congress, which Chyczij acknowledged, noting the province’s ongoing support for displaced Ukrainians and education on the Holodomor. Mayor Olivia Chow spoke on behalf of the City of Toronto.
The Congress also featured a fireside chat with the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s Representative for the Rebuilding of Ukraine, and presentations by Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada Andrii Plakhotniuk and Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine Natalka Cmoc and, emphasizing Canada’s role in supporting Ukraine’s victory. Oleksandra Matviichuk of the Centre for Civil Liberties spoke passionately about defending human rights amid Russia’s war of aggression, highlighting the Centre’s recent Nobel Prize recognition. Senator Stan Kutcher delivered a keynote blending humour and reflection on his upbringing in the Ukrainian Canadian community.
The first day also recognized contributions to Ukraine through UCC President’s Certificates of Appreciation, awarded to Dr. David Pedlar and protestors at the Russian embassy for their steadfast support. Reports from Taras Jackiw, Chair of the Ukrainian Canadian Sacrifice Medal Committee, and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, presented by Andrij Maleckyj and Valeriy Kostiuk, highlighted ongoing initiatives for the Rebuilding of Ukraine.
On Saturday, November 15, delegates received a report from Boris Balan, President of the Shevchenko Foundation, on preserving Ukrainian culture and heritage in Canada. Workshops and plenary panels explored pressing issues affecting Ukrainian Canadian organizations, including strategies to grow the community and engage new members.
A highlight of the day was a keynote by Lieutenant-General (ret’d) The Honourable Roméo A. Dallaire, renowned human rights advocate and former Canadian Senator, who addressed the psychological scars of war and the importance of supporting Ukrainian veterans and their families. He said that the role of the diaspora is to sustain and reinforce the conviction of a nation, because a soldier fighting on the frontline will give their best knowing that the nation will support them and provide opportunities for their children and future generations.
Other notable speakers included Mykola Kuleba, Chair of Save Ukraine and former Children’s Ombudsman of Ukraine, who discussed efforts to return Ukrainian children illegally abducted by Russia.
Saturday evening’s UCC Awards Banquet recognized recipients of the Youth Leadership Award, National Leadership Award, and Shevchenko Medal. The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered a keynote highlighting Canada’s support for Ukraine and its role in the Coalition of the Willing.
On Sunday, November 17, reports from Michael Mychailyshyn, Chair of the Council of Ukrainian Credit Unions of Canada, emphasized the role of Ukrainian credit unions in supporting community organizations. Paul Grod, President of the Ukrainian World Congress, highlighted global diaspora efforts to support Ukraine’s war effort.
BCU Foundation and BCU Financial sponsored a panel discussion on the future of defence. This panel brought together experts and practitioners to discuss evolving defence strategies, international cooperation, and the role of the Ukrainian diaspora in supporting resilience and security for Ukraine. Rear-Admiral (Ret’d) Hon. Senator Rebecca Patterson, Hon. John McKay P.C MP (Scarborough-Guildwood) Dr. Katheron Intson, CEO of Sentinel R&D, and Andrij Poticznyj, UWC discussed tech innovation in unmanned systems and advanced solutions. Roundtables on local activities and national connections concluded the Congress’s deliberations.
Re-elected UCC President Alexandra Chyczij summed up the work and spirit of the Congress: “Three years ago, we declared that we stand with Ukraine against those who seek to destroy it. We say the same today. The war continues, and so does our support. Ukraine will not surrender, and neither will we. Through the UCC and our collective efforts, we will keep working until Ukraine’s victory. That will be the legacy we leave to our children.”
The XXVIII Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians reinforced the community’s unity, resilience, and ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine while strengthening institutions and culture across Canada.
Nadia Lemko
