Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada

July 31, 2009

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today congratulated the organizers and participants in the 2009 Canadian National Ukrainian Festival which begins today in Dauphin, Manitoba.

“I want to extend my warmest greetings to all of the organizers, volunteers, performers and participants in the 2009 Canadian National Ukrainian Festival. For 44 years this festival has been a celebration of the remarkable perseverance, work ethic and community pride which defines people of Ukrainian heritage at home and around the world.

“Our government is proud of the deep historical ties between Canada and Ukraine. During Canada's earliest years more than 130,000 Ukrainian immigrants came to our young country, with many settling on the prairies. The stories of those early homesteaders, their courage and their sacrifice, have been permanently woven into the Canadian identity.

“During Ukraine's long and difficult struggle for independence, Canadians were proud to support Ukrainians' legitimate right to self-determination. Canada was the first western country to recognize Ukraine when it broke free of Soviet domination. Thanks to these heroic efforts, where once there was totalitarianism, we now see free people living in a free nation.

“More recently, our government supported a Parliamentary motion that made Canada the first country in the world to recognize the Holodomor as an act of genocide. We acted to provide redress for the internment of Ukrainians during the First World War. We were proud to host a state visit from President Viktor Yuschenko, who addressed Parliament. Today, we remain strong friends and allies of Ukraine and steadfast supporters of Ukraine joining NATO.

“The special relationship between Canada and Ukraine is a strong and growing bond – it is a bond made all the stronger thanks to the efforts of Canadians of Ukrainian heritage – and a friendship of which all Canadians should be proud. Please accept my best wishes for a memorable festival.”