Marco Levytsky, NP-UN Western Bureau.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council (UCC – APC) showed their appreciation for Operation Unifier by hosting a dinner for soldiers of the Edmonton Garrison, who were deployed from March to September, 2017 at the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre in Starychi, Ukraine, to train Ukrainian soldiers battling pro-Russian terrorists in the Donbas.
About 70 members of the Edmonton Garrison, together with their families attended the event, held at the Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex, January 15. They were all presented with a special gift of an individual pysanka (Easter egg) written by the late Eva Tomiuk. The eggs were donated by the Alberta Council for Ukrainian Arts (ACUA) who received over 300 from Tomiuk as a bequest.
The event took six months to prepare with UCC-APC President Olesia Luciw-Andryjowycz and Provincial Coordinator Slava Shulakewych working with the Garrison.
Aside from UCC – APC and ACUA, other organizations and individuals who helped prepare the event by providing accommodation, food, gifts and volunteers included: the Ukrainian National Federation, Edmonton Branch; the Ukrainian Women’s Organization, Edmonton Branch; UCC Edmonton; the League of Ukrainian Canadians, Edmonton Branch; Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex; Saint John Institute; Sandy’s Kitchen; Stawnychy’s Sausage; Daria Luciw; the Ukrainian Canadian Archives and Museum of Alberta; the Alberta Ukrainian Dance Association; the Bishop Budka Society; the Friends of the Ukrainian Village; the Ukrainian Bilingual Language Association/Ukrainian Catholic Parent Association; Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (Edmonton); the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada and the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada. Entertainment was provided by the Cheremshyna Dancers, Verkhovyna School of Dance, and the Verkhovyna Choir.
“I know that it is difficult… being away from family, so I am thrilled that some of you were able to bring your families today,” said Luciw-Andryjowycz, who visited the base in Starychi in November, bringing with her letters that children in the Ukrainian-English bilingual program and members of the Ukrainian youth organizations Plast and SUM, had written for the soldiers.
“The Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council and all of its organizations are honoured by your participation and taking up on the challenge to help build the Ukraine’s Military capacity while Ukraine remains in combat in the east,” she noted.
“Canada is unwavering in its support to Ukraine, both in helping to preserve and protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and in providing assistance to Ukraine to implement key reforms,” added Luciw-Andryjowycz
In thanking the organizers of the event, Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Lubiniecki, who commanded the Edmonton deployment between March and September 2017, stated: “You come from a very patriotic country. The history, heritage and culture that we saw tonight, the fact that you have (stood up to) aggression is something truly amazing.”
Speaking on behalf of Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi stressed Canada’s ties with Ukraine.
“The relationship between Canada and Ukraine is very deep. It’s a long-lasting relationship – of friendship, of people, of culture,” he said.
Speaking to the soldiers, Sohi noted the sacrifices they were making: “You sacrifice so that other people can enjoy the freedom that we in Canada take for granted.”
He then presented certificates of appreciation from Minister Sajjan to Lieut.-Col. Lubiniecki and Chief Warrant Officer Rob Clarke.
Edmonton-Centre MP Randy Boissonault, who accompanied Sohi, echoed the minister’s comments regarding Canada’s relations with Ukraine:
“Make no mistake, Ukraine is one of Canada’s greatest friends and partners. And our government has been proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and in the face of economic challenges for both countries. As you know this relationship builds upon decades of immigration, of cultural ties of economic ties,” he said.
“The ambassador that I see the most of all the ambassadors in the world is Ambassador Andriy Shevchenko because that’s how much he loves this community in Canada and particularly in Alberta,” added Boissonault.
Also present at the event was Edmonton-Castle Downs MLA Nicole Goehring, Provincial Liaison to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
Operation Unifier is the CAF mission to support Ukrainian Armed Forces in Ukraine. The operation’s focus is to assist them with military training. This will help them improve and build their military capacity.
The CAF coordinates its training with training by the U.S. and other countries that help in the same way. Military training is one part of Canada’s overall support to Ukraine. The CAF launched Operation Unifier in response to requests from the Government of Ukraine.
Global Affairs Canada also provides support. The intent is to help Ukraine remain sovereign, secure, and stable. The training mission falls under a Multinational Joint Commission. This commission includes Canada, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States. Canada became a member in January 2015. It co-chairs the Sub-Committee on Military Policing with Ukraine.
As of December 1, 2017, the CAF Joint Task Force-Ukraine (JTF-U) has trained more than 5,160 Ukrainian soldiers. There have been 116 course serials that covered all types of training.
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