OTTAWA  (24 August 2011) –  “I want to extend my best wishes to all Ukrainians and to Canadians of Ukrainian heritage as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence,” said Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright.

“After Ukraine seceded from the USSR and asserted itself as a sovereign state twenty years ago, on August 24th, 1991, Canada was the first Western nation to recognize Ukraine’s independence,” explained Benoit.  “We continue to be a strong proponent of Ukraine’s democratization, given that Canadians and Ukrainians share a steadfast respect for freedom, human rights and the rule of law.  Just last year, our Government sponsored more than 300 election observers to travel to Ukraine to monitor voting during the presidential elections.”

“As the Prime Minister pointed out, ‘More than 1.2 million Canadians trace their ancestry to Ukraine and we are proud this year to mark the 120th anniversary of Ukrainian settlement in Canada’”, stated Benoit. “In my constituency in particular, Ukrainian Canadians continue to make significant contributions to Canada’s cultural, political and economic life and have played a major role in the development of the Canada we know today.”

“On behalf of our Government, the Prime Minister has pledged to continue to strengthen bilateral ties with Ukraine and help in the building of a democratic, independent and prosperous society,” concluded Benoit. “As Chair of Canada’s NATO Parliamentarian Association I have worked towards that goal as well, and will continue to do so at every opportunity.”