Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement to mark the beginning of the 2010 Canada National Ukrainian Festival taking place in Dauphin, Manitoba from July 30 to August 1.
"Today is the opening day of Canada's National Ukrainian Festival, which celebrates its 45th anniversary this year. This special gathering gives Canadians a unique opportunity to celebrate Canada's proud Ukrainian heritage and to recognize the enormous contributions of Ukrainian-Canadians to the success of our great country.
"The Festival is also a time to reflect on the deep bonds of friendship between Canada and Ukraine, including our shared commitment to the fundamental values of democracy, peace and freedom. More than 1.2 million Canadians trace their ancestry to Ukraine, and Canada was the first Western country to recognize Ukrainian independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
"In keeping with the strong ties between Canada and the Ukraine, our Government sponsored more than 300 election observers to travel to Ukraine in January and February of 2010, to monitor voting during the presidential elections that year.
"I encourage all Canadians to share in our Ukrainian heritage, and I extend my sincere thanks and best wishes to participants and organizers of this year's Festival - a celebration that reflects Canada's diversity and the proud Ukrainian heritage of so many Canadians."
