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PM opens London airport’s cargo terminal
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today officially opened the new cargo terminal at London International Airport, which will create new jobs and provide lasting infrastructure for the region’s long-term growth.
“This new cargo terminal will help the City become a leading transportation hub, and will be critical to London’s future as a major North American and international gateway,” Prime Minister Harper said. “This project is a perfect example of how a well-timed investment can create construction jobs in the short-term while providing lasting infrastructure for longer-term prosperity and growth.”
The Foreign Trade Cargo Complex will create more than 150 permanent jobs for London in freight handling, packing, logistics, customs activities and trucking. The new cargo terminal will also help regional businesses in London and the area by providing greater opportunity to access and compete in international markets. The project was built on time and under budget.
“Even though Canada has done far better than other advanced countries during this economic recession, nothing can be taken for granted,” Prime Minister Harper added. “That is why our Government will continue to focus on the economy and job creation, and continue implementing Canada’s Economic Action Plan.”
The Government of Canada supported the construction of the Foreign Trade Cargo Complex through FedDev Ontario, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. FedDev Ontario was funded as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to support economic and community development, innovation, and to diversify the Southern Ontario economy. FedDev Ontario helps workers, communities and businesses in Southern Ontario position themselves to take advantage of economic opportunities as growth recovers in Canada and around the world.
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PM announces improvements for tri-cities commuters
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced a significant investment in a rapid transit project for the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge area that will improve public transit and support the regional economy.
“Supporting the construction of the Kitchener-Waterloo rapid transit lines will stimulate the local economy and make life easier for working families in this growing region,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said. “We want to make sure commuters get home to their families at the end of the workday as quickly and as safely as possible. Projects like this will pay dividends for our economy and our communities long into the future.”
The Region’s plan, when completed, will include a new light rail rapid transit system between the cities of Waterloo and Kitchener, connecting Conestoga Mall to Fairview Park Mall. The plan also includes the addition of rapid bus transit from Kitchener to the Ainslie Street Terminal in Cambridge.
“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government is providing two years’ worth of stimulus, here in the Tri-Cities and across the country, making sure Canada emerges from the global recession stronger than ever,” Prime Minister Harper added. “Making long-term investments in communities will keep Canada growing. Improving the efficiency of public transit has a real, long-term and positive economic impact.”
The Government is providing support for this new rapid transit system through the Building Canada Plan. The rapid transit plan announced today is expected to begin operating by 2015.
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Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the death of a Canadian soldier:
“It is with utmost sorrow that I extend the condolences of all Canadians to the family and friends of Corporal Brian Pinksen, a brave soldier who died due to injuries sustained in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time of loss.
“Canadians are grateful for his service and are proud of the contributions of all the men and women in uniform.
“Our Government is showing leadership, alongside our international partners, in this ongoing effort to help the Afghan people achieve peace and stability. This UN-mandated, NATO-led mission is helping rebuild their country and its institutions.
“I join with all Canadians who stand behind our men and women of the Canadian Forces as they courageously risk their lives every day to bring positive change to the people of Afghanistan and to save lives.
“Corporal Pinksen served Canada valiantly, and deserves the gratitude and respect of his nation.”
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PM announces Parliamentary Secretary nominations
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that he has nominated Shelly Glover, Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface, to move from Official Languages to become Parliamentary Secretary for Indian Affairs and Northern Development, and Greg Rickford, Member of Parliament for Kenora, to become Parliamentary Secretary for Official Languages.
“I am pleased to announce the nominations of Shelly Glover and Greg Rickford as Parliamentary secretaries and have every confidence that they will fulfill their roles with energy and conviction,” said the Prime Minister.
Shelly Glover was first elected to represent Saint Boniface in 2008. A former police officer, she is fluently bilingual and was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Official Languages in November 2008.
Greg Rickford, who has worked as a nurse, health care consultant and lawyer, was first elected in 2008. He completed an MBA at Laval University in Quebec City, where he learned to speak French. His nomination as Parliamentary Secretary for Official Languages is his first.
Parliamentary secretaries are responsible for assisting members of the Cabinet with their parliamentary responsibilities. As part of these responsibilities, parliamentary secretaries frequently represent their minister in parliamentary committees and work closely with members of Parliament in the House of Commons.
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PM announces High Arctic Research Station coming to Cambridge Bay
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that the new Canadian High Arctic Research Station will be located in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut.
“Through our Northern Strategy our Government is committed to realizing the full potential of Canada’s North” said Prime Minister Harper. “By building this leading-edge research station, we are advancing Canada’s knowledge of the Arctic’s resources and climate while at the same time ensuring that Northern communities are prosperous, vibrant and secure.”
The Canadian High Arctic Research Station will be a world-class, year-round, multidisciplinary facility exploring the cutting-edge of Arctic science and technology issues. It will create jobs, strengthen Canada’s Arctic sovereignty, promote economic and social development and it will help protect and understand the northern environment, contributing to the overall quality of life for Northerners and all Canadians.
The Canadian High Arctic Research Station is an integral part of Canada’s four part Northern Strategy: to assert and defend Canada’s sovereignty, to protect the unique and fragile arctic ecosystem, to develop a strong Northern economy and to encourage good governance and greater local control and opportunity.
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PM announces improvements at Churchill Airport
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced support for important upgrades to the Churchill Airport. The Prime Minister was in Churchill for the first stop of his annual Northern Tour.
“Canada’s regional and remote airports play a vital role in bringing us together as a nation and linking our communities to the world,” said Prime Minister Harper. “Our Government is pleased to support upgrades to the Churchill Airport which will help ensure the safe flow of people, goods and services to and from this Northern community, creating jobs and economic growth.”
The improvements, which are taking place over a three-year period, will make essential upgrades to Churchill Airport’s taxiways, ramps and runways. The airport terminal building entrance road will also undergo reconstruction.
“Thousands of people call Canada’s North and communities like Churchill home,” said the Prime Minister. “Through investments such as this, our Government is committed to ensuring that these Canadians have access to the goods, services and opportunities they need.”
Churchill Airport is classified as a remote airport, and is owned and operated by the Government of Canada. The Government is providing support of $13.4 million for this improvement project.
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Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on Canada’s Arctic Sovereignty:
“Earlier today, Foreign Affairs Minister Cannon released Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy that details our Government's broad approach to northern strategy. That includes, working with our partners, where appropriate. The number one priority of our northern strategy is the promotion and protection of Canadian sovereignty in the north. That is what Canadians want us to do; that is what we will continue to do.
“Every year when I have gone up North I have announced various initiatives in all four areas of our strategy, not just in terms of military investments. I have made announcements in terms of economic and social development, in terms of environmental protection, and also in terms of measures of governance, improving the control of northerners over their own local affairs. We will continue to make announcements in a wide range of areas, all of these things serve our number one and, quite frankly, non-negotiable priority in northern sovereignty, and that is the protection and the promotion of what is our North, the Canadian North”
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PM announces support for Wind Energy project in Prince Edward Island
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the Government of Canada is providing support for an innovative research project in Prince Edward Island which will advance Canada’s understanding and use of wind power as a clean energy source. He was joined by Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
“As generating electricity from fossil fuels becomes more costly, and concerns mount about the environmental impact of doing so, our Government is actively supporting research into vital new technologies,” said Prime Minister Harper.
The Government is supporting the Wind Energy Research and Development Park and Storage System project in Prince Edward Island through the five-year Clean Energy Fund announced in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. With a focus on research, the project will add to Canada’s understanding of the production, operation, storage and installation of small and large wind energy technologies.
“Together with other existing alternative energy sources, this project will bring the proportion of the Island’s electricity generated by renewable power sources to about one fifth,” said the Prime Minister. “This is a significant accomplishment for Prince Edward Island that will contribute to Canada’s goal of becoming a clean energy superpower.”
This joint initiative with the Wind Energy Institute and the Government of Prince Edward Island will be the first combined wind energy and storage system in the Province.
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PM takes part in famous Gold Cup Parade
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today took part in the preparations for Charlottetown’s annual Gold Cup Parade. Along with Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and Senator Mike Duffy, the Prime Minister visited the parade staging area to view floats and meet with participants before the parade began to roll.
“The Gold Cup Parade is an example of what is great about Canada – communities coming together to celebrate shared traditions,” said the Prime Minister. “I commend all the organizers, volunteers and participants for their hard work putting together a fabulous event I know Islanders of all ages enjoy every year.”
The Gold Cup Parade has been held continuously since 1962 alongside the Gold Cup and Saucer harness race. The Parade is a highlight of Prince Edward Island’s Old Home Week, the Province’s annual exhibition. With its combination of entertainment, attractions, livestock displays and midway, Old Home Week has drawn visitors from across the island and further afield since 1888.
“I hope Islanders and visitors alike enjoy all that this year’s parade, Old Home Week and the beautiful province of Prince Edward Island have to offer,” continued Prime Minister Harper.
Each year, the Gold Cup Parade attracts over 60 floats and 12 marching bands from all over Prince Edward Island, Canada and the United States. Over 60,000 live spectators are expected, with a further 25,000 watching the celebrations on television.
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PM announces new government pay centre in Miramichi, New Brunswick
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that the Government of Canada is modernizing its 40-year-old pay system for public servants and consolidating pay services in a new Centre of Expertise in Miramichi, New Brunswick. He was joined by Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women; Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway; and Tilly O’Neill-Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramichi
“The modernization of the Government’s pay system and services will save taxpayers millions of dollars and create hundreds of jobs in Miramichi,” said Prime Minister Harper. “This is part of our Government’s ongoing commitment to increase the effectiveness of Public Service operations and eliminate unnecessary costs.”
This new plan will apply up-to-date technology to replace outdated and labour-intensive information technology systems, saving Canadians money over the long run and ensuring more efficient service.
The transformation of the Government’s antiquated pay administration system and services will address concerns raised in the Auditor General’s Spring 2010 report and is expected to generate significant benefits. These include overall savings starting in 2016-2017 when the system is fully implemented, a full complement of 550 Public Works and Government Services Canada staff at the centre by 2015-2016 and information technology jobs in the National Capital Region over a six-year period.
The new pay system and Centre of Expertise will also ensure a sustainable and effective compensation service for public servants consistent with modern industry standards.
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PM launches restoration of the Bluenose II
Prime Minister Stephen Harper marked the beginning of vital restoration work on the Bluenose II — one of Canada’s most recognizable symbols. He was joined at the event by Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore—St. Margaret’s.
“The Bluenose II is an important and lasting part of Canada’s proud maritime heritage,” said Prime Minister Harper. “The restoration efforts now underway will ensure that this important cultural icon remains part of the Canadian landscape for years to come.”
This phase of the restoration work will replace the wood hull, frames and planking of the ship with improved laminated wood frames and conventional planking materials. The work will generate short-term local construction employment and ensure long-term tourism jobs.
Financial support for this project comes from the Government of Canada’s Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which provides funding to provincial, territorial, municipal and community construction-ready infrastructure projects that can be completed by March 31, 2011. Part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to tackle the global economic recession, the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund has resulted in close to 4,000 infrastructure projects across the country.
Thanks to the Economic Action Plan, the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia have announced joint funding for more than 100 infrastructure projects across the province to stimulate the economy and create jobs.
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PM stands up for Nova Scotia workers
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today reinforced the Government of Canada’s support for Nova Scotia’s workers. Following a visit to the Michelin Tire Factory in Waterville, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the company’s highly successful participation in the Government’s Work-Sharing Program. Prime Minister Harper took the opportunity to announce continued support for the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program — another initiative designed to keep Canadians working during and after the global economic recession. He was joined by Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova.
“Our Government is standing up for Nova Scotia’s workers,” said the Prime Minister. “As soon as the global economic recession hit, we took immediate action to come up with creative solutions like the Work-Sharing Program to keep businesses open and Canadians in their jobs.”
By joining the Work-Sharing Program in April 2009, the Michelin Tire Factory in Waterville avoided laying-off 95 employees; 578 employees at the plant participated in this program. This year the company has removed its hiring freeze and added 91 new employees to its ranks. This program has been successfully implemented across the country, indeed, the Prime Minister also visited another successful Work-Sharing Program yesterday, Global Upholstery Company Inc., in Downsview, Ontario.
“Today I am pleased to announce our Government’s continued support to help older Nova Scotians develop the skills they need to find new jobs,” said Prime Minister Harper. “Because in today’s knowledge-based economy, we recognize the necessity of keeping our workforce up-to-date on the latest technologies, processes and best practices.”
Through the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program, the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia have been providing skills training and work experience for over 300 unemployed older workers in Nova Scotia since April 2009. The program helps older workers re-enter the workforce and adapt to the changing economy.
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PM helps kick off construction of Mississauga Bus Rapid Transit corridor
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today marked the start of construction of the Mississauga Bus Rapid Transit corridor at a groundbreaking ceremony on the Mississauga transit campus. He was joined by Bob Dechert, Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Erindale.
“We want to ensure commuters get to work on time and get home to their families at the end of the workday as quickly and as safely as possible,” said Prime Minister Harper. “Improving the flow of people and goods across the GTA is good for commuters, the economy and the environment because it means shorter commute times, increased productivity and improved air.”
Once complete, the 18-kilometre east-west rapid transit corridor across the City of Mississauga will improve both local and inter-regional bus operations in the Greater Toronto Area.
“Over the last year and a half, we have accelerated some of the GTA public transit and transportation infrastructure projects as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan,” said the Prime Minister. “These projects have created jobs and stimulated economic growth during the global economic recession.”
Government of Canada funding for this project is provided through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund and is part of FLOW, the Government of Canada’s long-term transportation action plan for the Greater Toronto Area. The Province of Ontario and the City of Mississauga are also contributing to the project.
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Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the resignation of Inky Mark as Member of Parliament for Dauphin—Swan River—Marquette:
“Today, I pay tribute to Inky Mark’s many years of service as the Member of Parliament for Dauphin—Swan River—Marquette.
“Since he was first elected in 1997, Inky Mark has been a tireless and popular representative for his constituents. He has also represented them at the local level as a city councillor and as mayor.
“I wish Inky and his family the best of luck as he moves on to the next chapter of his political life and thank him for all he has done for his constituents, his caucus and his country.”
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PM attends Hockey Night in Barrie III
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today attended Hockey Night in Barrie, a cancer fundraiser organized by Patrick Brown, Member of Parliament for Barrie. This annual event raises money for the Royal Victoria Hospital’s Simcoe-Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre.
Celebrities from sports, politics and entertainment take part each year, playing on teams against one another. This year’s participants included hockey players Wendel Clark, Darcy Tucker, Shayne Corson, Mike Gartner and Steve Thomas; Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence; TSN’s James Duthie; Olympian Kurt Browning; singer Michael Burgess; rock star Duncan Coutts; and legendary hockey personality Don Cherry, who coached one of the celebrity teams.
“Canada is the only country on earth where a group of volunteers could fill a hockey rink on a summer night with over 4,000 fans to watch a pick-up game and raise money for a good cause,” said Prime Minister Harper in remarks to the crowd. “That is what makes our country so great, combining the greatest game on earth with volunteer community spirit to support a cause that benefits us all.”
The event also paid tribute to the Canadian Forces, with the Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay and over 200 members of the Forces from nearby CFB Borden in attendance. The Canadian Forces School of Administration and Logistics’ flag party and the Blackdown Cadet Training Centre Massed Band took part in the pre-game ceremonies, and Borden’s new base commander, Colonel J.P.L. Meloche, laced up his skates alongside Minister MacKay.
The three Hockey Nights in Barrie have raised a combined total of $421,000.
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Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement congratulating Juan Manuel Santos on his inauguration as President of the Republic of Colombia:
“On behalf of Canada, I would like to congratulate Juan Manuel Santos on his recent victory in the Colombian presidential elections, and on his inauguration today. I am pleased that Canada was well-represented at this important event by the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.
“Canada and Colombia enjoy a strong and multi-faceted relationship and we are proud to be engaging this hemispheric partner on many levels, including through the recent Free Trade Agreement that our two countries signed in November 2008.
“We are looking forward to close cooperation with the new President as Colombia continues working to achieve greater prosperity, strengthen peace and security, and uphold human rights.”
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Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark National Peacekeepers’ Day:
“Canadian families enjoy a freedom, stability and security envied throughout the world. Yet with that freedom comes responsibility and Canada has consistently answered the call to help those in countries where conflict threatens stability and peace. Today, we pay special tribute to those Canadians who have served as peacekeepers.
“For over 60 years, Canada has sent members of the Canadian Forces, civilians and police officers to act as peacekeepers in some of the world’s most volatile conflict zones, including the Middle East, the Balkans, Africa and Haiti, to name a few.
Today, these brave Canadians continue to put their lives at risk on a daily basis as they work in challenging circumstances to maintain what is often a fragile peace.
“Danger comes with the territory and today we also pay special tribute to the over 200 Canadians who have made the ultimate sacrifice on peacekeeping missions over the past 62 years.
“The nature of peacekeeping continues to change and increasingly requires robust and multi-faceted capabilities. However, we can be sure that Canadian peacekeepers will continue working to make the world a better place by promoting freedom, human rights, and the rule of law.
“On National Peacekeeper’s Day, I am proud to recognize the ongoing work of Canadian peacekeepers as they promote these noble objectives.”
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Make Parliament work to avoid unnecessary election: Prime Minister
Prime Minister Stephen Harper says making Parliament work is essential if Canada is to avoid an unnecessary election that would jeopardize our economic recovery.
“The economy remains the number one priority of Canadians and of our Government,” said the Prime Minister. “An unnecessary election is the last thing that Canadians need, that the economy needs, at this time.”
To advance the objective of making Parliament work, the Prime Minister today announced the appointment of one of his most experienced, senior Ministers to the position of Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. The Honourable John Baird has a mandate to work cooperatively with the other parties and make Parliament function.
“Canadians need Parliament to work so that Canada's Economic Action Plan is not interrupted," said the Prime Minister. “We want to do our part and to work cooperatively with all opposition parties to put the economy first.”
This crucial role is the latest of many in which Minister Baird has served with distinction. He secured passage of the landmark Federal Accountability Act, served as Minister of the Environment, and most recently, oversaw the implementation of infrastructure stimulus, a vital part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Others changes made as part of today's fine-tuning of the Cabinet are as follows:
• The Honourable Chuck Strahl succeeds Mr. Baird as Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
• The Honourable John Duncan, of British Columbia, enters the Cabinet by succeeding Mr. Strahl as Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.
“Minister Strahl will take on his new responsibilities with the same dedication and hard work that he's shown in his previous portfolios,” said the Prime Minister. His immediate priority is the ongoing implementation of the infrastructure stimulus component of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
In announcing the appointment of the newest member of his Cabinet, the Prime Minister noted that “John Duncan’s solid work as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development makes him a natural choice for this important role, allowing him to continue to build on the important work that Chuck Strahl and our Government have done in this area.”
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the former Government House Leader, the Honourable Jay Hill. Earlier this summer Mr. Hill announced that he will not stand as a candidate at the next general election following 17 years of elected service to his constituents and Canadians.
Mr. Baird was recently named “Parliamentarian of the Year,” an award decided by votes of MPs and Senators from all parties.
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Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today made the following remarks on the changes to the Ministry:
“Good morning. In the recent global recession, Canada has done better – far better – than its peers among the advanced countries. But, while the strength of our economy is encouraging, nothing can be taken for granted. The global recovery is fragile.
“That is why the economy remains the number one priority for Canadians. That is also why the economy is the number one priority for our government. And, it is why all spring and summer, Ministers and government MPs have been tightly focused on our economy, working hard to navigate our way through a world of great uncertainty.
“One thing has become abundantly clear: our Economic Action Plan needs time to run its course: Canada cannot afford to interrupt this green shoot of a recovery, with an unnecessary election. Canadians need the government and Parliament to continue to work on Canada's Economic Action Plan.
“That brings us to why we are here today. The work of Parliament depends on the maturity and wisdom of key members. And one upon whom a great deal of this load fell, is moving on. I speak of the Honourable Jay Hill. As Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Jay Hill operated in a spirit of cooperation and constructive progress. But, as you know, Mr. Hill recently announced that he will not stand as a candidate at the next general election.
“To succeed him as Government House leader, I have therefore chosen one of our most experienced and senior Ministers, the Honourable John Baird. I have given John a very clear mandate – to make Parliament work. To make sure we stay the course at this time of global uncertainty. John is trusted and respected by his colleagues, with a deserved reputation for getting things done. I have every confidence in John and it is for that reason I have entrusted him with this important new role.
“As a result of John`s promotion, I am announcing two more appointments to fine-tune the Ministry. The Honourable Chuck Strahl will replace Mr. Baird as Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. During his time as Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Chuck has done tremendous work on difficult issues. In his new position, Chuck will drive progress on thousands of economic stimulus projects across Canada – projects to provide jobs, to lay the foundation for future growth and to give new hope to working Canadians. His sound and steady judgment will serve him well as he takes on this new challenge.
“Finally, John Duncan enters the Ministry to replace Chuck as Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. John is an experienced, long-serving Member of Parliament from British Columbia, a respected representative for his riding and a valued member of our team. John’s solid work as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs makes him a natural choice for this new role.
“I congratulate all three ministers and wish them all success.
“Finally, I just want to take this opportunity of thanking Jay for his service to his country over the past 17 years. Jay and I have been colleagues for a long time – since before we were elected, in fact. His faithful work, first on the back benches later on committees and variously as Chief Government Whip, Secretary of State and Government Leader in the House of Commons has been of immeasurable value to this party, this government and ultimately to Canada. Jay Hill will be missed, and on both sides of the House. He has been the ideal colleague and friend. We wish him and Leah well as they prepare to move on to new adventures.”
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Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement to mark the beginning of the 2010 Canada National Ukrainian Festival taking place in Dauphin, Manitoba from July 30 to August 1.
“Today is the opening day of Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival, which celebrates its 45th anniversary this year. This special gathering gives Canadians a unique opportunity to celebrate Canada’s proud Ukrainian heritage and to recognize the enormous contributions of Ukrainian-Canadians to the success of our great country.
“The Festival is also a time to reflect on the deep bonds of friendship between Canada and Ukraine, including our shared commitment to the fundamental values of democracy, peace and freedom. More than 1.2 million Canadians trace their ancestry to Ukraine, and Canada was the first Western country to recognize Ukrainian independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
“In keeping with the strong ties between Canada and the Ukraine, our Government sponsored more than 300 election observers to travel to Ukraine in January and February of 2010, to monitor voting during the presidential elections that year.
“I encourage all Canadians to share in our Ukrainian heritage, and I extend my sincere thanks and best wishes to participants and organizers of this year’s Festival — a celebration that reflects Canada’s diversity and the proud Ukrainian heritage of so many Canadians.”
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