The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, today announced over $16 million in funding to promote and support democratic reform in Ukraine.


“Canada and Ukraine share strong values of democracy, and the 1.2 million-strong Canadian-Ukrainian community is a living bridge between our two countries,” said Minister MacKay. “I am pleased that Canada is providing further assistance to support democratic development and reform efforts in Ukraine.”



“As the relationship between our two countries continues to deepen, we will work in partnership to ensure Ukraine’s success as a prosperous and democratic nation, capable of sustaining good governance, economic well-being and a high quality of life,” said Minister Verner.



Since the Orange Revolution of December 2004, Ukraine has made significant progress in democratic development and reform. Canada closely follows political developments in Ukraine. The outcome of the parliamentary elections scheduled for September 30, 2007, and smooth transition afterward, will be of critical importance.


The funding announced by Minister Mackay in Ukraine today contributes to three projects:


• Juvenile Justice Reform in Ukraine is a five-year, $6.5-million project that will strengthen the capacity of key government and non-government organizations responsible for juvenile justice to more effectively deliver legal, judicial and social services for youth at risk.



• Policy Reform and Implementation Support Mechanism (PRISM) is a six-year, $9.5-million project that will fund individual initiatives aimed at improving Ukraine’s governance through policy development and implementation. Programs funded will be in the areas of public administration, judicial policy and gender equality.


• The Canadian Election Observation Mission to Ukraine will provide up to 60 observers for parliamentary elections in September 2007. Through the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Canada is ready to provide $400,000 to support the mission.


Today’s announcement highlights Canada’s continued support for democratic reform in Ukraine. Canada will continue to monitor Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen democratic processes and democratic institutions.


For further information on Canada-Ukraine bilateral relations, go to http://www.international.gc.ca/canada-europa/mundi/country_ukr-en.asp.