Canada strengthens commitment to Ukraine 

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

July 2, 2019 - Toronto, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Canada and the international community stand with the people of Ukraine on their journey toward a secure, sovereign and prosperous future.

Today, representatives from 37 countries concluded the ministerial portion of the Ukraine Reform Conference in Toronto, Ontario. The meeting, co-chaired by Canada and Ukraine, included foreign ministers, heads of international institutions, parliamentarians, representatives from the private sector, civil society and think tanks, as well as members of the Ukrainian Canadian community, in support of Ukraine and its ambitious reform agenda.

The Government of Canada took this unique opportunity to announce over $45 million in support for Ukraine, including $25 million to help implement inclusive and gender-responsive reforms in Ukraine.

Canada is also taking concrete action against continued Russian aggression in Ukraine and condemns Russia’s decision to issue Russian passports to Ukrainian citizens in the Donbas region. As of today, Canada will take action to ensure these passports cannot be used to travel to Canada.

In order to maintain the important momentum of reform and international support, it was also announced today that Lithuania will co-host the next Ukraine Reform Conference in Vilnius in 2020.

Quotes

“We are in Toronto this week because we are all committed to supporting the people of Ukraine in realizing their aspirations for the future. Their hopes are ones shared by people all around the world. The discussions held today prove that, together, we can help implement change that will improve the lives of the people of Ukraine.”

- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Canada remains a long-term partner of Ukraine. With continued cooperation in the governance sector, and by promoting the advancement of gender equality, we are helping the people of Ukraine build a better and more inclusive country.”

-      Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality

Quick facts

  • The first Ukraine Reform Conferences were held in London and Copenhagen in 2017 and 2018, respectively. 

  • Since January 2014, Canada has committed more than $785 million in multi-faceted support to Ukraine, encompassing a broad range of financial, development, stabilization and security, non-lethal military and humanitarian assistance.

  • Canada’s military training and capacity-building mission in Ukraine, Operation UNIFIER, launched in September 2015, is a key part of Canada’s overall effort to support Ukraine’s security, stability and sovereignty.

  • The Canadian Police Arrangement and Canada’s Peace and Stabilization Operations Program support Ukraine’s police reform efforts by building the capacity and effectiveness of Ukraine’s police services. Canada will continue to support police reform in Ukraine, building on successes to date.

  • Canada is supporting democracy in Ukraine, including with hundreds of long and short-term observers for the 2019 presidential and parliamentary elections.  

  • On December 2, 1991, Canada was the first Western country to recognize Ukraine’s independence.

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Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
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media@international.gc.ca
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