Peter Goldring Honours Ukraine Independence
OTTAWA - Peter Goldring, Member of Parliament for Edmonton East and Vice-Chair of the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group, celebrated the 19th anniversary of the return to democracy in Ukraine in the House of Commons today.
“Nineteen years ago Ukrainians overwhelmingly chose to return to the status of an independent nation.” Mr. Goldring said. “Canada was the first Western nation to recognize newly sovereign Ukraine.”
Mr. Goldring has been an official observer for Ukraine’s Presidential and Parliamentary elections six times. “I have seen how the people of Ukraine have surely and steadily strengthened their democratic institutions,” he said. “Canada continues to support those who strive to achieve the freedoms brought about by their desire for democracy.”
More than one million Canadians have roots in Ukraine.
After proclaiming its independence on August 24, 1991, the government of Ukraine put the decision to its people in a referendum. On December 1st, 1991, almost ninety percent of Ukrainians who cast ballots voted to support the declaration of renewed independence. The next day, Poland and Canada became the first two countries to recognize Ukraine`s wish for independence.
The full text of Mr. Goldring’s statement reads:
Mr. Speaker,
Nineteen years ago Ukrainians overwhelmingly chose to return to the status of an independent nation. Canada was the first Western nation to recognize newly sovereign Ukraine.
Today the Ambassador of Ukraine is hosting a celebration of this monumental achievement - the rebirth of democracy in Ukraine.
We too celebrate the ties that bind Canada and Ukraine, including the more than one million Canadians of Ukrainian heritage.
As a Member of Parliament I have traveled to Ukraine to officially observe Presidential and Parliamentary elections. I have seen how the people of Ukraine have surely and steadily strengthened their democratic institutions.
Canada continues to support those who strive to achieve the freedoms brought about by their desire for democracy.
Congratulations to the people of Ukraine; for their great accomplishment 19 years ago, and for their enduring determination to embrace their future within the world of democratic nations.