Canada and Ukraine celebrate 10 years of relations (02/24/02)

Canada and Ukraine celebrate 10 years of relations

by Roman W. Zakaluzny
Special to The Ukrainian Weekly

OTTAWA - Canadians and Ukrainians on January 30 celebrated the 10th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries at a special gathering in Ottawa.

More than 300 people crowded into the National Archives down the street from the National Parliament in the Canadian capital to mark the occasion.

Canada was the first country in the western hemisphere to recognize independent Ukraine, extending diplomatic recognition one day after Ukrainians voted on December 1, 1991, in a national referendum to break away from the Soviet Union. By January 27, 1992, Canada's secretary of state for external affairs at the time, Barbara McDougall, was in Kyiv to open the Canadian Embassy.

"As Canada's [representative] at that historic moment a decade ago, I am proud that our country was the first to extend diplomatic recognition to Ukraine," said Ms. McDougall in a speech read by Ian Wilson of the National Archives. Ms. McDougall was unable to attend the January 30 event due to a prior commitment.

"Canadians with Ukrainian roots were among those who were bursting with pride in their former homeland," she said. "And many, indeed, have since returned to help shape democracy and free markets as the country has developed."

"That period of development has not been without missteps and indeed, sometimes, mischief," she continued. "But there is no turning back, and we must never forget that momentous change is hard work."

In a letter to Canada's head of state, Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, President Leonid Kuchma of Ukraine wrote that Canada will always be "a close friend" to Ukraine.

"Without exaggeration, [Canada's acknowledgment] paved the way for our state into the international community," said Mr. Kuchma. "It accelerated democratic reforms and the formation of a civil society in Ukraine."

Ukraine's independence was first recognized by its Western neighbor, Poland. But Ukraine's current ambassador to Canada, Dr. Yuri Shcherbak, was quick to point out that Poland, located in almost the same time zone as Ukraine at the time, had the advantage of time in extending its acknowledgment. Ottawa was only eight hours behind, he argued, and its early recognition must not go unnoticed.

"I remember very well the time when foreign minister of Canada, the charming lady Ms. McDougall, promised us that Canada will immediately recognize Ukraine after the national referendum in December," said Ambassador Shcherbak. "We appreciate very much that her promise was fulfilled: on December 2, 1991, Canada was first among the Western nations who recognized Ukraine. The Consulate General of Canada was upgraded to the level of an Embassy and diplomatic relations were established January 27, 1992."

Jointly sponsored by the National Archives of Canada and the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada, the commemoration was attended by people from as far away as Montreal and Toronto.

The evening began with the singing of both countries' national anthems by Ottawan Sophia Lega. The Ottawa-based Ukrainian dance group Svitanok performed two numbers at the start to warm up the crowd, and local bandurist Volodymyr Mota played and sang two traditional ballads for the crowd.

Brian Carey of the National Archives, who emceed the evening's event, said that the Archives building was a fitting location for the commemoration, as it is their duty is to record all pertinent Canadian events for posterity.

"To paraphrase Taras Shevchenko, the great Ukrainian poet, "Think, read and learn about other people, but do no forget your own," said Mr. Carey. "Archives fits right in, and we are pleased to host this evening's celebration."

Canada's new secretary of state for Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East, Gar Knutson, said that Canadians of Ukrainian descent made large contributions to the development of Canada, noting that links between the two countries go back much further than 10 years.

"Ukraine has gone through a historic development in this time," added Mr. Knutson, noting the many treaties Ukraine and Canada have jointly signed on such far-ranging issues as the banning of landmines, as well as trade and commerce.

Mr. Knutson joined Prime Minister Jean Chrétien's trade delegation to Russia this past week, but split off from the Team Canada mission to go to Kyiv on February 17-20. "I am going to increase our presence in that part of the world," Mr. Knutson underscored.

Dr. Shcherbak said that in 1991 there were just 14 foreign consulates in Kyiv. Today there are more than 170 countries with representatives in the Ukrainian capital, and Ukraine counts more than 80 foreign embassies from around the world.

"And we are looking forward to opening a new Ukrainian consulate in Alberta," added the ambassador.

After the speech-making, the Embassy showed two short films. The first showed the military parade in Kyiv last August 24 on the 10th anniversary of independence; the second was a government production called "Picturesque Ukraine." The evening concluded with a reception featuring wine and Ukrainian food.

Canada's deputy prime minister sent along his greetings as well. John Manley could not attend, but asked Ukrainian Canadian parliamentarian Walt Lastewka to read a letter he had prepared.

"I believe that we are embarking on a time of great hope for the world community, where real priorities have never been viewed so clearly, and our common values never put so firmly into play," wrote Mr. Manley. "True friendships and genuine commitments count more than ever - and such is the bond between Canada and Ukraine. A toast to the future!"

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