Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney to receive prestigious award from Ukraine

April 17, 2007

OTTAWA — Peter Goldring, Member of Parliament for Edmonton East, stood in the House of Commons to congratulate former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney on receiving the highest Ukrainian decoration for his support for the independence of Ukraine.

A copy of Mr. Goldring’s statement is included below.

“Fifteen years ago, Ukrainians overwhelmingly chose to once again become an independent nation. The following day, Canada, under the leadership of our prime minister, the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, was the first country to recognize the newly sovereign Ukraine.

This Wednesday night, the Order of Kniaz Yaroslav the Wise is being awarded to the Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney by Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko for Mr. Mulroney’s “defining personal role in Canada’s recognition of the independence of Ukraine and considerable contribution to the development of Ukrainian-Canadian relations.”

Building upon the foundation of independence, the Ukrainian people have steadily strengthened their democratic institutions.

I wish to congratulate the Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney on receiving this honour and the people of Ukraine for their great accomplishment 15 years ago, as well as for their continued determination to embrace their future within the world of democratic nations.”