Canada committed to helping Ukraine promote social and economic development in a free and democratic society
October 3, 2014 – Oshawa, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Today, James Bezan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, announced on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, Canada’s support to help provide legal aid services to the most vulnerable in Ukraine. He was joined by Erin O'Toole, Member of Parliament for Durham, and Colin Carrie, Member of Parliament for Oshawa.
Parliamentary Secretary Bezan made the announcement at a banquet hosted by the Oshawa-Durham Branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in support of the Children of War program in Ukraine. The program provides rehabilitation and counselling to the children and mothers of families where the father has been killed in the conflicts that have occurred in Ukraine during the past year.
“Canada will continue to support Ukraine through the current crisis and beyond,” said Parliamentary Secretary Bezan. “Today’s announcement is a reflection of our longstanding work to help Ukraine increase equitable access to justice for women and men, particularly those from marginalized groups.”
Canada’s support will help increase the awareness among Ukrainian citizens of their rights to legal aid, as well as enhance the quality and access to those services. The project builds on Ukraine's efforts to enhance the integrity of its democratic institutions and practices, placing an emphasis on reforming public institutions and the judicial system, as well as supporting civil society organizations and the media, to ensure effective, accountable and transparent decision making.
“Canada's international development program in Ukraine aims to support Ukrainian efforts toward a free, democratic and prosperous society by advancing democracy and promoting sustainable economic growth for all Ukrainians,” said Minister Paradis.
By expediting and increasing multiyear bilateral development assistance to Ukraine in the areas of advancing democracy and sustainable economic growth, Canada will have more than doubled its historical annual bilateral development support to Ukraine by the end of this year.
In 2009, Canada confirmed Ukraine as one of its countries of focus that are part of Canada’s Aid Effectiveness Strategy. This status was re-confirmed in 2014.
Louis Longchamps
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6581
louis.longchamps@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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