Marco Levytsky, NP-UN Western Bureau.
The long-awaited Consulate-General of Ukraine is going to be opened in Edmonton in 2018, says Ukraine’s Ambassador to Canada.
“It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. And, actually I know when – it’s supposed to be next year. Now we are in the process of looking for a nice place,” Andriy Shevchenko stated at a dinner organized at the Embassy of Ukraine in conjunction with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta – Provincial Council, and held at the University of Alberta’s Faculty Club, December 18, 2017.
He outlined several reasons for locating the consulate in Edmonton, among them the extraordinary community infrastructure of schools, churches, organizations, cultural groups present in the city, as well as the great degree of cooperation that exists between the Ukrainian community and government levels, and the region’s historic role as the cradle of Ukrainian settlement in Canada.
Financial support for the Consulate is to be included in the most recent state budget, but the Embassy had not received the actual monetary breakdown as of press time.
Shevchenko, who had met earlier that day with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, International Trade and Development Minister Deron Bilous, as well as representatives of the UCC – APC, to discuss follow-ups to Bilous’ recent trade mission to Ukraine, which he stated has provided some very practical and meaningful opportunities for cooperation in such fields as education, culture, oil and gas and agriculture.
Shevchenko also touched upon the main theme of the evening, which was the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian People’s Republic and the 100th jubilee of the creation of Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry.
He noted that the concept of a Ukrainian People’s Republic was present in the Maidan protests which brought down the government of former President Viktor Yanukovych, because it represented the people’s dream for justice, human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
The Ukrainian People’s Republic (UPR) was created by the Third Universal (Decree) of the revolutionary Ukrainian Central Rada on November 22, 1917 in reaction to the Bolshevik Revolution in Moscow. Though still maintaining the principle of eventual reunification with a democratic Russian government, the Third Universal nevertheless declared Ukraine independent of Bolshevik Russia. Full independence was declared through the Fourth Universal of January 22, 1918.
The UPR’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was established on December 22, 1918, its first objective being the negotiation of a peace treaty with the Central Powers to end World War I, which it successfully concluded at Brest Litovsk on February 9, 1918. By this treaty, the UPR won international recognition of its independence.
“Today, as a century ago, Ukraine is bravely battling to defend its independence against Russian imperialism. Today, however, Ukraine and the Ukrainian people have the support of the international community and free peoples the world over – and with God’s help, they will be victorious in their fight for the cause of freedom,” noted UCC National Vice President Andrea Kopylech.
She commended “the excellent work on community development, education, and culture undertaken by provincial councils such as the Alberta UCC, under the leadership of Olesia Luciw-Andrijowycz, our Edmonton branch under the leadership of Orysia Boychuk, and their respective memberships” adding that the new Consulate will greatly improve access to services for Ukrainian citizens in Western Canada, and will facilitate and enhance the development of social, economic and trade linkages between our two countries.
UCC-APC President Luciw-Andrijowycz also commented on the significance of the anniversaries.
“Not only did Ukrainians start their immigration here over 126 years ago, but Ukrainian Canadians have watched and relived many of the events of Ukraine over the last 100 years (from the revolution to current aggression). Under the most adverse circumstances, Ukrainians found strength to launch an impassioned political and armed struggle to defend their right to independent and free nation. The people of Ukraine have struggled and fought for their liberty and independence, they were united in an unwavering determination to see freedom return to their homeland. Today we celebrate the perseverance of Ukrainians in keeping faith for a free and democratic Ukraine,” she said.
Deputy Premier Sarah Hoffman and Bilous represented the Government of Alberta at the event, with Bilous delivering the official remarks.
“Alberta’s ties to Ukraine run deep, and the Government of Alberta strongly believes in recognizing the Ukrainian culture which has become a part of Alberta’s culture,” he noted, adding that “we look forward to continuing to strengthen and expand the ties between the people of Alberta and Ukraine.”
Bilous stated that the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA) opens up new avenues for Alberta to further strengthen its economic links to Ukraine.
“We believe that expanding relations between our two countries in business, investment, trade, and innovation, based on respect and mutual interest, will grow and further strengthen both of economies and make life better for all our citizens in both countries,” he said.
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