UCC receives Commendation on August 31, 2005 in Edmonton from the Governor General of Canada for its role in Ukraine’s Presidential Elections in 2004

• Gov-General Adrienne Clarkson's speech
• UCC President Orysia Sushko speech
• Text of Commendation (PDF)

September 13, 2005 -- The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) has been honoured by the Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, with a Certificate of Commendation. This singular honour was 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.”

At a packed ceremony held in Edmonton’s City Hall on August 31, 2005, the Governor General conferred this award. During her remarks, Her Excellency stated:

“The Governor General’s Certificate of Commendation is given very rarely; this is only the second non-military commendation during my mandate. It reflects an intense personal as well as national gratitude for what Ukrainian Canadians have done for freedom in their country of origin, and the example they helped to set for the world.

At the end of January, I stood on a platform close to President Yushchenko as he made his inaugural speech in the Maidan. A million people were there to cheer and listen to the man at the centre of the Orange Revolution. In the House of Parliament, I sat beside his wife, Kateryna. She shone with pride as he spoke positively and convincingly about his role as the leader of Ukraine. I was seated at the Yushchenkos’ table at lunch, and I knew that this honour was due to the hard work of Canadians, especially Ukrainian-Canadians. My hosts knew what their Canadian sisters and brothers had given, and how vital this contribution had been to their democratic quest. President Yushchenko is aware of this Commendation of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. It expresses Canada’s – and my – admiration and respect for this community’s international response last year, and for its strong tradition of civic responsibility within our country.”

When accepting the award, UCC President Irene (Orysia) Sushko stated, “It is with profound gratitude that I accept this Certificate of Commendation, which you have so kindly bestowed upon the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. Announcement of this recognition has been most enthusiastically and humbly received by the Ukrainian Canadian community right across Canada. This award reflects your tremendous compassion and understanding of what it means to celebrate one’s freedom from oppression and maintain the right to freely choose one’s government without force or control.”

Other speakers, including the Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, Hon. Anne McClellan and Alberta’s Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Ed Stelmach, also thanked the UCC for its contribution and emphasised the importance of the Ukrainian community in Canadian society. Greetings were also brought from the City of Edmonton by the Mayor, His Worship, Stephen Mandel. UCC Alberta Provincial Council President David Broda also brought greetings.

UCC Vice President Andrew Hladyshevsky acted as Master of Ceremonies for the ceremony and had been involved in planning the event. The world-renowned Ukrainian Cheremosh Dancers and the magnificent Ukrainian Male Chorus of Edmonton provided entertainment at the occasion.

UCC acknowledges the support of the UCC-APC in coordinating the community liaison with the Governor General’s office.