Ottawa, August 24, 2014 – Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird and the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, today issued the following statement:
“Today we commemorate Ukraine’s Declaration of Independence, which established the country as a democratic and sovereign state in 1991.
“Canada was the first country in the West to recognize Ukraine’s independence. We have long supported Ukraine’s sovereignty and we will continue to do so, unwavering in our stance that its independence cannot be tampered with.
“This year, Ukraine’s Independence Day is particularly significant in light of the ongoing Ukrainian conflict. Since independence, Ukraine has made strides toward building the peaceful, prosperous and democratic society that all Ukrainians have a right to expect. Recent developments, though, are of concern.
“Canada has been unwavering in its opposition to Russian aggression and occupation in Ukraine, and is proud to support the Ukrainian government’s efforts to restore stability.
“The close ties between our two democracies have been fostered in no small part by Canada’s many citizens of Ukrainian descent, who number more than 1.2-million people and who have made enormous contributions to the history and success of our country.
“We offer our support for continued independence, freedom and democracy for the people of Ukraine.”
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