UKRAINIAN FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY AT QUEEN’S PARK - NEWS

UKRAINIAN FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY AT QUEEN’S PARK
Print version

Published Wednesday, August 25 2010

League of Ukrainian Canadians

in partnership with the

League of Ukrainian Canadian Women

I M P O R T A N T N O T I C E

MEDIA ADVISORY August 24, 2010

Ukrainian Flag-raising Ceremony At Queen’s Park

Attracts Federal and Provincial Leaders

Toronto - The Ukrainian Canadian community held a flag- raising ceremony at Queen’s Park on Tuesday, August 24 at 12:00 noon in honour of the 19^th Anniversary of the Restoration of the Independence of Ukraine.

The event was organized by the Canadian Conference in Support of Ukraine (CCSU): League of Ukrainian Canadians ( LUC ), League of Ukrainian Canadian Women (LUCW) and Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada (CYM). The event is supported by the Consulate General of Ukraine in Toronto and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Toronto.

Honoured guest speakers at the event included members of the provincial and federal parliaments, representatives of the Ukrainian government, the consular corps, Church and community leaders:

His Eminence and Metropolitan Nominee Archbishop Yurij of theUkrainian Orthodox Church of Canada.

His Grace Bishop Stefan of the Ukrainian Catholic Church of Canada.

Senator Consiglio DiNino for Ontario, Member of the Canada Tibet Committee and Board Member of the Scouts Canada Foundation, who also delivered the official statement of the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada.

In his message Prime Minister Harper states, inter alia: “The historic ties of friendship that exist between our two nations were forged through generations of Ukrainian migration to Canada, and are reinforced now by shared values and interests in a mutually beneficial partnership. I would like to commend the League of Ukrainian Canadians and the League of Ukrainian Canadian Women for working together with their partners and sponsors to ensure the success of this popular community event. Today’s celebration is an occasion to reflect upon Ukraine’s inspiring efforts to reconstitute itself as an independent democratic state, embracing political and economic reforms.”

Borys Wrzesnewskyj, M.P. for Etobicoke-Centre, who also delivered greetings from the Hon. Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Official Opposition.

Among Mr. Wrzesnewskyj’s many accomplishments on behalf of the Ukrainian Canadian community is the major role he played in securing passage of Bill C-459 in the House of Commons, recognizing the Holodomor as an act of genocide.

In his message the Hon. Michael Ignatieff states, inter alia: “I would like to thank the Canadian Conference in Support of Ukraine and its member groups for organizing this event. …our country has a close and very personal relationship with Ukraine and a history of support for this emerging partner… The presence of so many representatives from across the community and governments from here and Ukraine speaks to the importance of this ceremony and the close relationship between our two countries.”

The Hon. Laurel Broten, M.P.P. for Etobicoke-Lakeshore and Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues and Minister of Children and Youth Services, who also delivered a message from the Hon. Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario.

Minister Broten supported the passage of Bill 147, the Holodomor Memorial Day Act.

Dave Levac, M.P.P. for Brant.

Mr. Levac has continuously supported the Ukrainian community in Ontario and has championed our community’s principal issues including sponsoring and working tirelessly for the passage of Bill 147, the Holodomor Memorial Day Act.

John Yakabuski, M.P.P. for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, Energy Critic, and Opposition House Leader, who also delivered a message from the Hon. Tim Hudak, Leader of the Official Opposition in Ontario.

Cheri DiNovo, M.P.P. for Parkdale-High Park.

Ms. DiNovo co-sponsored with M.P.P.s Dave Levac and Frank Klees, Bill 147, the Holodomor Memorial Day Act. In this respect the bill was precedent- setting, as it was the first ever legislation introduced in Ontario with tri-party sponsorship and passed with unanimous consent.

The Hon. Olexander Danyleiko, Consul General of Ukraine.

Yuri Shymko, former M.P. and M.P.P., as well as former President of the Ukrainian World Congress.

Mr. Shymko initiated the provincial government’s official recognition of Independence Day at Queen’s Park.

Yvan Baker, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Ontario Provincial Council.

Zenon Ciz of the Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada, who also spoke on behalf of the Canadian Conference in Support of Ukraine (CCSU).

The Canadian and Ukrainian National Anthems were performed by the Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada Concert Marching Band “Baturyn.” The Ukrainian national flag was raised by representatives of the Ukrainian Youth Association- Plast and the Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada-CYM. The Master of Ceremonies was Ms. Luba Kostiw of the Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada.

As Chairperson of the CCSU and President of LUC, Oleh Romanyshyn noted: “The members of the CCSU are grateful that so many distinguished Canadian government officials, Ukrainian Church leaders, representatives of the Diplomatic Corps and community leaders honoured our community and Ukraine by participating in this observance.

We also are proud that our government and our fellow Canadians have stood with us in the quest to bring to Ukraine the blessings that have made Canada the envy of the world. We hope and trust that Canada will continue to stand with the Ukrainian nation during good times and during times of trial and tribulation. We look forward to our continuing consultations and coordinated efforts with the Government of Canada to affect tangible progress in securing a bright future for Ukraine and its people.”

Member organizations of the CCSU, individually and collectively, promote educational and cultural projects that help raise awareness of Ukraine’s history, and keep our fellow Canadians informed about developments in Ukraine. The CCSU promotes Canadian values within a spirit of friendship and partnership between Canada and Ukraine, including people-to-people relations.

For more information, please contact Orest Steciw, League of Ukrainian Canadians, at:

416-516-8223 or luc@lucorg.com.