Marco Levytsky, NP-UN Western Bureau.
Judicial reform is a number one priority for Ukraine, said the keynote speaker at Edmonton’s Ukrainian Independence celebration, organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Edmonton Branch, and held at the Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex, August 27.
Because without that one cannot expect any positive changes in neither the law enforcement system, nor in the economy, noted Laryssa Babych, a community activist and lawyer from Ukraine.
“Judges continue to make decisions that benefit those people who pay more, or who have political weight. That’s why those who wish to run a business in Ukraine honestly, or take part in the political struggle, have no chance in this system,” she added.
Babych also stated that the police reform in which Canada participates has not lived up to its full potential because the other structures which fall under the Ministry of Internal Affairs have not been reformed and remain as remnants of the Soviet system. Positions in the ministry are doled out to loyal followers of the party in power who don’t care about the competence or the well-being of police officers.
“On the level of corruption, the Ministry of Internal Affairs is the leader within the law enforcement organs,” she said.
Nevertheless, there are positive developments, explained Babych. One of these is in the armed forces which were at a very low level in 2014 and not battle-ready. While the top-ranking officers and the command system maintain their Soviet orientation, the middle and lower ranks are now of better quality than at any time since Ukraine became independent.
She also stated that political, cultural and economic ties with Europe and North America provide the possibility of positive change and innovation based upon Western expertise.
But it has to be stressed that the Ukrainian society has a much better understanding of Western values than does the state. Here the Ukrainian Diaspora has a major role to play as a link between the state, society and the West in quickening the pace of reform, said Babych.
She also noted that the political stability of the country is subverted by the inability of the state institutions to bring to justice those responsible for the Maidan killings and said that under the current political system reform is impossible because the oligarchs create their own parties and then protect their own interests in parliament.
When asked by New Pathway – Ukrainian News after her presentation what is needed for systemic change in Ukraine, she replied the country needs a leader who will place the interests of the people and the state ahead of his or her personal interests.
Orysia Boychuk, President of UCC Edmonton noted that Ukrainians throughout the world have been celebrating the 26th anniversary of Ukraine’s Declaration of Independence, which was ratified on August 24, 1991 and today the Edmonton community joins in the celebration.
“As we all know, right now Ukraine still continues to struggle for its independence, which is again under threat by its neighbor. The world, along with our Ukrainian community in Edmonton must never lose sight of the ongoing challenges for freedom which Ukraine has faced and continues to experience. The importance of recognizing and celebrating Ukraine’s independence is greater now than ever before,” she stated.
Representing the City of Edmonton, Ward 3 Councillor David Loken noted that Edmonton is a multicultural city, made stronger by the differences and diversity of its citizens.
“Events like this help people reflect differently on our history and our city.
“They not only preserve Ukrainian language and customs, but also ensure the authenticity and ‘heart’ of the Ukrainian heritage is protected for future generations,” he added.
MC Olia Myc noted that for 23 years Ukraine had not known war and the people rejoiced that during the turbulent nineties, Ukraine managed to maintain peace.
“But war has not spared out country now. The slogan ‘Glory to Ukraine – Glory to the Heroes’ troubles the soul of everyone. It’s about nonapathetic Ukrainians, the heroes of Maidan and boys who with weapons in their arms defend the eastern border of Ukraine. Doctors who return the wounded from that world, volunteers on whose shoulders rests the Ukrainian army. This is about giving respect to the best, who in the most important time for Ukraine were not afraid to stand in defense of their fatherland,” she said.
Singer Olesia Sinchuk, from Ukraine, delighted the audience with not only her exquisite voice, but the flute playing and piano compositions.
Other entertainment was provided by the Chajka Concert Ensemble, the Zorianka Ukrainian Dancers and the “Molfary” duet.
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