THE 1970s - A LOOK BACK: Ukrainian assertion in Canada (12/30/79)

THE 1970s - A LOOK BACK

Ukrainian assertion in Canada

Ukrainian community life in Canada, which has always set the pace for other Ukrainian communities in the West to follow, received a great boost in the 1970s when Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau officially proclaimed the policy of multiculturalism. Addressing the congress of the Ukrainian Canadian Committee, Mr. Trudeau announced that all ethnic groups across Canada will have equal access to the government and will share prominence with the major English- and French-speaking groups. This historic policy was initiated and forged by the Ukrainian Canadian senator and scholar, Paul Yuzyk.

Another pace-setting aspect of Ukrainian life in Canada has been the ability of Ukrainian Canadians to increase their political power. The roster of the members of the House of Commons lists six persons who are of Ukrainian descent - Harvie Andre, Ray Hnatyshyn, S.J. Korochinski, Steve Paproski, Paul Yewchuk and William Yurko.

In the Senate, Sen. Yuzyk, who is also known for the major role he plays in the community life of Ukrainians in the West, has been one of the more outspoken defenders of the cause of the captive nations since 1963. In December 1976 he was joined by John Ewasew, a lawyer. Unfortunately, death claimed Sen. Ewasew in 1978.

In 1957 Michael Starr became the first Ukrainian Canadian to be named to the federal cabinet, and since then Ukrainians have persistently had a voice in the highest levels of government. In October 1977 Norman Cafik was appointed minister of state for multiculturalism. With the turnover of power from Mr. Trudeau to Joe Clark in 1979, two Ukrainian Canadians were appointed to the cabinet - Mr. Paproski was named minister of energy, mines and resources and minister of state for science and technology, and Mr. Hnatyshyn was named minister of state for multiculturalism, fitness and amateur sports.

Scores of Ukrainian Canadians continued the long tradition of running and winning posts on various levels of government. From provincial legislatures on down to city governments, Ukrainian Canadians made their presence felt, enhancing their own interests and contributing to the country of their settlement.

| Home Page |