September 16, 2014 - In the lead-up to Ukraine’s parliamentary elections in October, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today detailed support for advancing democracy that will see more than 300 Canadian observers travel to Ukraine to monitor the elections.
“Canada is proud of its long-standing support to the Ukrainian people in advancing freedom and democracy,” said Baird. “These are ideals that we share and that we will courageously defend and protect as the cornerstone of our enduring friendship.”
A bilateral mission to Ukraine will see up to 190 observers for parliamentary elections, 102 observers through the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Election Observation Mission and a delegation of up to 12 parliamentarians to join the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Election Observation Mission.
“Canada will once again play an important role in fostering democracy and good governance in Ukraine,” said Baird. “Our support, knowledge and experience will help ensure free, fair and democratic elections in Ukraine.”
Canadians interested in applying to become an observer for Canada’s bilateral election observation mission can visit Canadian Election Observation Missions. Those interested in applying for the OSCE/ODIHR mission can visit Canada’s Civilian Reserve.
A backgrounder follows.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATDCanada
Like us on Facebook: Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada-DFATD
Canada is committed to supporting Ukraine and to the advancement of free and fair parliamentary elections. To this end, on September 11, 2014, Prime Minister Stephen Harper indicated support that will see Canada send up to 304 election observers to monitor the parliamentary elections to be held in Ukraine on October 26, 2014. The election observers will be funded as part of $11 million in measures to help advance democracy in Ukraine that the Prime Minister announced on April 23, 2014. The commitment is in line with Canada’s deployment of 304 Canadians during the presidential election on May 25, 2014.
The support announced today will be provided through Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada.
More specifically, support will be allocated as follows:
This project will deploy a robust Canadian bilateral election observer mission composed of up to 190 observers. This includes approximately 40 long-term observers and 150 short-term observers who will undertake electoral analysis and stakeholder engagement and support the Canadian election observer mission.
Canadian financial support will provide for up to 12 Canadian long-term observers and 90 Canadian short-term observers for the parliamentary elections.
This project will provide funding to support the participation of up to 12 Canadian parliamentarians in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly election observation mission to the parliamentary elections.
Canadians interested in applying to become an observer for Canada’s bilateral election observation mission can visit Canadian Election Observation Missions and those interested in applying for the OSCE/ODIHR mission can visit Canada’s Civilian Reserve.
