Mr. Speaker, 19 years ago Ukrainians overwhelmingly chose to return to the status of an independent nation. Canada was the first western nation to recognize newly sovereign Ukraine.
Today the ambassador of Ukraine is hosting a celebration of this monumental achievement, the rebirth of democracy in Ukraine.
We too celebrate the ties that bind Canada and Ukraine, including the more than one million Canadians of Ukrainian heritage.
As a member of Parliament I have travelled to Ukraine to officially observe presidential and parliamentary elections. I have seen how the people of Ukraine have surely and steadily strengthened their democratic institutions.
Canada continues to support those who strive to achieve the freedoms brought about by their desire for democracy.
Congratulations to the people of Ukraine for their great accomplishment 19 years ago and for their enduring determination to embrace their future within the world of democratic nations.