XXVII Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians took place in Winnipeg, MB, October 28 – 30 of 2022. The three days filled to the brim with compelling plenaries, engaging workshops, interesting keynote speakers, comprehensive reports on the work of member organizations of Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), meaningful discussions and resolutions that set the priorities for UCC for the next three years.
Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF), as one of the UCC member organizations, was represented at the Triennial by its President/CEO, Orest Sklierenko, COO, Major (retired) Oksana Kuzyshyn, Chair of the Ukraine Humanitarian Relief Committee, Victor Hetmanczuk, and several Directors from across Canada that serve on its Board.
On Friday, October 28th, CUF has presented its report to more than 400 delegates and guests from across Canada, talking about its history, projects prior to the major invasion, and the humanitarian relief work since.
Victor Hetmanczuk discussed in detail the emergency response CUF has provided in Ukraine since February 24th, such as delivery of food boxes, medicine and medical equipment across Ukraine, the re-initiation of Surgical Missions (CUSAP) in Poland, shipment of civil de-mining robots and firefighter equipment to the Ukraine’s Ministry of Emergency Response, and support for mental health programs for children and adults. He has also talked about the winterization projects in Ukraine that are in the works as the harsh winter is looming.
Orest Sklierenko touched on the short, mid and long term goals as the humanitarian aid CUF provides in Ukraine will continue to evolve in response to the changing needs on the ground, and reaffirmed Foundation’s mission of providing help to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine for as long as there is need. You will be able to watch the full presentation next week on our website.
presenting at the Triennial
Many distinguished guests were welcomed at the Triennial, including:
- Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada,
- Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister,
- Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence,
- Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of International Development,
- James Bezan, MP, Selkirk Interlake Eastman, spoke on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition the Honourable Pierre Poilievre
- The Honourable Heather Stefanson, Premier of Manitoba,
- Scott Gillingham, Mayor-elect of Winnipeg,
- Her Excellency Larisa Galadza, Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine
- First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska
- Minister of Defence Oleksiy Reznikov
- Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba
- Her Excellency Yuliya Kovaliv, Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada
Government of Canada reaffirmed their full support for Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion and announced:
- New sanctions against Russia;
- Will sell a 5-year Sovereignty Bonds to raise money for Ukraine;
- Will continue supporting Ukraine with military and defence equipment.
Prime Minister of Canada
This was also the time to recognize and honour the recipients of the Shevchenko Medal, the UCC National Leadership Award and the UCC National Youth Leadership Award.
CUF’s own Victor Hetmanczuk received Shevchenko Medal for Community Development, Oksana Kuzyshyn and Katrusia Smolynec received UCC Leadership Awards – we could not be more proud and express sincere gratitude for their dedication! These awards are the testament to their selfless devotion to our Ukrainian Canadian community!
Following the conclusion of the Triennial Congress, a delegation of the UCC visited the Taras Shevchenko Monument to pay tribute to Ukraine’s Bard.
Background
Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) was established in 1995 to coordinate, develop, organize and deliver assistance projects generated by Canadians and directed to Ukraine and to the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada.