Mr. Speaker, on October 19 I rose in the House to ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs what leadership role Canada would undertake to restore the Ukrainian economy after decades of economic and environmental mismanagement under the former Soviet regime.
I was very pleased to hear the minister indicate to this House that last July in Naples the G-7 countries endorsed the proposal of the Prime Minister to host a conference on economic reform in Ukraine.
As a Manitoban and a Canadian of Ukrainian descent I am very proud that the economic conference will take place in Winnipeg on October 27. The meeting will be attended by officials from the G-7 countries.
I understand that a proposal at this meeting is to discuss Ukraine's plan for economic reform and international support for Ukraine's economic transformation. I know that it is important that Canada and the G-7 countries encourage Ukraine to implement an economic reform program in co-operation with international financial institutions.
I was very pleased to hear that Canada is totally committed to Ukraine and has committed over $41 million to over 70 projects. It has been brought to my attention that Canada will further pledge up to $20 million in aid to help Ukraine transfer its economy to a western style market system.
I strongly believe that these projects are an investment in the future of Ukraine and an investment for Canada. These projects will be beneficial for all parties involved. This will open up a whole new market for Canadian businesses. Presently Canada and the United States are the only countries which have pledged their assistance.
During the Winnipeg meeting officials are expected to encourage the G-7 countries to pledge aid. I would very much like to get clarification on exactly how Canada is investing in the future and fostering better ties with Ukraine.
I am also very concerned about the environmental mismanagement that occurred under the former Soviet regime. Therefore I would like to know exactly what is going to be done concerning the environmental cleanup and the prevention of further pollutants being released into our environment.