October 3, 2014 - Oshawa, Ontario
Check Against Delivery
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
Thank you for joining us.
As you know, Canada is deeply concerned about the deteriorating security and economic crisis in Ukraine.
Our nations share historic ties that extend back through generations of Ukrainian migration to Canada.
Over the years, we have developed a close bilateral relationship.
A solid economic partnership.
And strong people-to-people ties.
You have engaged wholeheartedly as active participants in the key institutions of Canadian democracy.
As members of city council or provincial and federal Parliaments.
As journalists and judges.
And even as the 24th Governor General of Canada.
Today, Ukrainian-Canadians make up almost four percent of the total Canadian population.
With many living right here in Oshawa and the Greater Toronto Area.
Over many years, we have forged a partnership out of a shared understanding of Ukraine’s unique challenges.
And a common desire to see the country overcome them.
We look forward to continuing that work.
But we are not naïve about the challenges ahead.
That is why Canada will continue to stand by Ukraine.
It is why we will continue to call on Russia to immediately withdraw its troops from the Ukrainian border, as well as Crimea.
To stop the flow of weapons and militants into Ukraine.
And use its considerable influence to broker a ceasefire.
We want this for Ukraine, because that is what its people deserve.
And also because your native land is a country that we have shared deep ties with since the very beginning.
In 1991, Canada was the first Western nation to recognize Ukraine’s independence.
We were also one of the first nations to offer assistance following the recent crisis.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper was the first G7 leader to visit Ukraine after the Euromaidan protests.
He was the only G7 leader to attend President Poroshenko’s swearing-in ceremony.
And he was the first foreign leader to meet with the new President following his inauguration.
Canada has not let up. And in fact has increased its involvement in Ukraine since the crisis.
Ukrainian-Canadians, like you, have given so much to Canada.
And Canada is committed to giving back to Ukraine.
In the last 30 years, much of our development assistance has focused on increasing economic opportunities for Ukrainians.
And strengthening democracy in the country.
This includes the right to vote in free and fair elections. And being able to rely on a legal system that gives all citizens an equal ability to defend themselves.
Much remains to be done in this area. To make judicial institutions more effective. For both those who cannot afford legal representation as for those who can.
Currently, Ukrainians with limited financial means do not have equal access to justice.
Without a fair system through which to obtain free or subsidized legal services, poor and vulnerable citizens are unable to protect their rights and interests through the courts.
That is wrong.
And given its longstanding commitment to Ukraine, Canada wants to help make it right.
So we are supporting a project that will help to protect the legal rights of Ukraine’s most vulnerable citizens.
Today, I am pleased to announce that we are contributing $9.76 million towards the Quality and Accessible Legal Aid project.
It will provide Canadian technical assistance to support the implementation and sustainable operation of the legal aid system.
And it will raise awareness among Ukrainian citizens that they are entitled to legal aid support.
Some activities include building human resource capacity—so quality legal aid services can be properly delivered and monitored.
Working with targeted civil society organizations—so that people can become aware of what kind of help is available to them.
And building a community engagement fund—so legal aid clinics and civil society organizations can address the issues faced by vulnerable Ukrainian citizens.
The Government of Canada is supporting this initiative because we believe in Ukraine and its people.
And in their right to fair legal representation, in a judicial system that is just and equal for all.
Canada has proudly stood with Ukraine since the very beginning. Our ties run deep and our relationship is strong.
Today’s announcement speaks to our commitment to all Ukrainians. And to our desire for them to live in a country where the same legal rights are afforded to all citizens.
Thank you.
