Canada reiterates support for democratic reforms, human rights and peace in Ukraine
News Release
July 6, 2017 - London, United Kingdom - Global Affairs Canada
Canada is unequivocal in its support for the people of Ukraine. We continue to call for the protection of their rights, safety and security and respect for the sanctity of Ukraine’s borders.
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today concluded her participation in the Opportunity Ukraine conference, in London, United Kingdom, where she reiterated Canada’s support for Ukraine’s efforts to implement economic and democratic reforms. Canada welcomes the progress made in a number of areas since the 2014 Revolution of Dignity, notably, key achievements in stabilizing the economy and fighting corruption.
The Minister announced today an additional $6.89 million in funding to Ukraine through five new initiatives that will primarily focus on continued support of human rights monitoring, conflict resolution, and mine awareness, surveying and clearance. These initiatives, funded by Canada’s Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs), build on and reinforce previously announced Canadian investments in police reform and support to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
Quotes
“Since the beginning of the crisis in 2013, Canada has been at the forefront of the international community’s support for Ukraine. Canada applauds reform efforts undertaken by Ukraine and believes that these new projects will help address Ukraine’s immediate national security and peacebuilding needs as its people pursue a secure, stable and prosperous future.”
- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick Facts
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Canada was the first Western country to recognize Ukraine’s independence, on December 2, 1991.
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The Canada-Ukraine bilateral relationship is strengthened by deep people-to-people ties, rooted in the nearly 1.3-million-strong Ukrainian-Canadian community.
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Since January 2014, Canada has committed over $700 million in much-needed assistance to Ukraine, including $400 million in low-interest loans to help Ukraine stabilize its economy; over $245 million in bilateral development assistance projects aimed at advancing democracy, the rule of law and sustainable economic growth; over $74 million to support Ukraine’s stabilization and strengthen its security sector; and over $27 million in humanitarian assistance to help vulnerable people affected by the ongoing conflict affecting eastern Ukraine.
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On August 26, 2016, the Government of Canada announced the launch of Global Affairs Canada’s new PSOPs. For the 2016 to 2019 period, the program has a budget of $450 million. Through PSOPs, Canada is working with allies and partners to stop violent conflict, provide security and create space for dialogue and conflict resolution.
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On July 11, 2016, Canada signed the milestone Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA) during the Prime Minister’s bilateral visit to Ukraine.
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