Mr. Chair, I will be splitting my time with the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.
I am honoured to stand in the House tonight to speak to this important and troubling situation, but the words I have to offer are insignificant compared to the notable remarks made by Canada's Prime Minister on Friday night in his speech to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in Toronto. I will take this opportunity to read into the record a portion of his remarks at this important event, which took place just a few days ago. Speaking of the Taras Shevchenko award, the Prime Minister stated:
This award has been presented to many distinguished Ukrainian-Canadians, as well as friends of Ukraine. Among those friends was John Diefenbaker, the first Prime Minister to receive it. I am honoured to follow in his footsteps … for Diefenbaker personified the distinctly Canadian reality that people from all backgrounds can and do succeed in this great country.
Of course, what really makes this presentation special is the fact it pays tribute to the legacy of Taras Shevchenko. His words provided the inspiration for Ukrainian independence. He said, and I quote: “Strive and you will triumph for God is on your side. The rewards are glory, truth, and that most sacred of things, freedom.” Shevchenko was a brilliant artist and a renowned poet. But most important, his was a voice for freedom...
In the decades that followed his spirit would inspire Ukrainians to fight for liberty against not only the Tsars, but also the totalitarian ideologies of the Nazis and the Soviets. You know, here in Canada, with our deep Parliamentary traditions and our comparatively benign history, democracy sometimes gets taken for granted. We often need to be reminded of how long and hard the struggle for basic freedoms has been, and that it remains to be fought for so many of our fellow human beings. The Ukrainian-Canadian community has always provided that perspective and that voice for the oppressed...
But, the important thing is this, I’m here to tell you that as long as I am Prime Minister our government always will speak out for those things that elevate the human spirit--freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law--for all nations and peoples! ...
—when I visited Ukraine last year I made a special point of visiting historic sites to pay my respects, on behalf of all Canadians...
While I was in Kiev, as you remember I also raised issues that are of concern to the Government of Canada. I took particular care to show Canada’s support for democratic debate … by meeting with Yulia Tymoshenko. Like many of you, I am seriously concerned about her situation...
I’ve written directly to President Yanukovych. I let him know that I am deeply concerned … that the conduct of Tymoshenko's trial does not reflect accepted norms of due process or fairness.
Friends, we all know that a vigorous political opposition and judicial independence are vital to building a democratic and prosperous Ukraine. Canada will support Ukraine whenever it moves towards freedom, democracy and justice. However, our foreign policy is rooted in principle, and in the defence of freedom.
So to be clear, our government is very concerned about the path the Government of Ukraine appears to be taking. Tuesday’s developments may have serious consequences for our bilateral relationship. The Ukrainian people can count on Canada to stand-up for their liberty. Canada is always ready to help … to help democratic institutions take root, in Ukraine and around the world. And I know that each and every person here tonight shares that cause … which is why I am so honoured to be here.
Thank you, Mr. Chair, for this opportunity to speak and tell you about the Prime Minister's comments on this serious and important situation.