The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today issued the following statement:
"Today, we celebrate the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine's independence. Ukraine continues to bravely defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence from Russia's aggression.
"In 1991, Canada was the first Western country to recognize Ukraine's independence. We continue to recognize those same borders, and we reject Russia's violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity.
"Every day, ordinary Ukrainians, such as first responders, community leaders and volunteers, and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, inspire people around the world, including Canadians, whose support for Ukraine's freedom and independence remains unwavering. The spirit of Ukraine's people, their rich culture and their identity cannot be erased.
"Since 2022, Canada has committed over $19.5 billion in multifaceted support to Ukraine. This includes financial assistance, military support, humanitarian assistance, development assistance and security and stabilization programming. Through Operation UNIFIER, Canada's military training and capacity-building mission for Ukraine, the Canadian Armed Forces have trained more than 42,000 members of the Security Forces of Ukraine in military skills including battlefield tactics, military medical techniques, combat engineering and leadership. This mission has been extended until 2026 and training is currently ongoing with more than 300 Canadian Armed Forces members currently deployed under this operation.
"Canada is also working to support Ukraine's future. Thousands of Ukrainian children have been illegally deported to Russia. Canada is proud to help guide efforts towards repatriation through the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.
"We are firmly committed to Ukraine's long-term security; we believe its future is in NATO, and we support Ukraine's efforts to implement a just and sustainable peace.
"Since its launch in 2022, the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel has provided temporary safe haven to thousands of Ukrainians. We also launched a special family reunification pathway to provide permanent residence to Ukrainian family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. These measures build on our steadfast commitment to help Ukrainians find a place of safety and provide them with the assistance they need while the war is ongoing.
"Last year, Canada and Ukraine signed the modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA), which entered into force on July 1, 2024. Canada is proud to have concluded a comprehensive free trade agreement with Ukraine, an important milestone in our relationship. The modernized CUFTA will support our commercial relationship for many years to come and benefit our respective workers, consumers, businesses and entrepreneurs.
"Canada will continue to be steadfast in our support of Ukraine's defence, recovery and reconstruction. On this day of celebration and always, we stand with Ukraine."
