UCC to receive Governor General Commendation for role in Ukraine’s presidential elections

August 10, 2005 -- The UCC will be honoured by the Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, with a Certificate of Commendation. This singular honour will be bestowed on the UCC for its role in organizing a mission involving 500 observers for the re-run of the presidential election in Ukraine which took place in December of 2004 as well as 140 observers for the two previous rounds in October and November 2004.

The Commendation reads, in part, “The effort undertaken by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress to raise funds, recruit observers, and mobilize and train the participants was unprecedented and is testament to the energy, dedication, and ideals of all those who took part in the mission.” According to officials from Rideau Hall, this is only the second such non-military commendation that Her Excellency has issued during her term in office.

UCC President Irene (Orysia) Sushko stated that, “The UCC is deeply honoured to be recognized by Her Excellency for its efforts in assuring that the presidential elections in Ukraine were fair and transparent and reflected the will of the Ukrainian people. Canadians from all walks of life rallied together as never before to demonstrate their love of freedom, which they as citizens cherish. It is a reflection of the dedication to Canadian values of democracy and fairness that our community volunteers were able to organize such a monumental effort. Canada is blessed with very generous, dedicated and charitable people who volunteered their expertise and donated through both charitable donations and personally to fund their own travel costs to Ukraine in order to contribute to democracy and the development of a civil society in Ukraine. The UCC is pleased to accept this commendation on behalf of the thousands of volunteers and donors that made these missions possible.”

Ms. Sushko will receive the Certificate of Commendation on behalf of the Ukrainian Canadian community from Governor General Clarkson at a special ceremony to be held in Edmonton on August 31, 2005. Details of this public event will be made available as they are finalized.