UCC extends condolences on the death Trudeau (10/22/00)

UCC extends condolences on the death Trudeau

WINNIPEG - The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) on October 3 joined with all Canadians in expressing its sorrow on the death of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau, former prime minister of Canada.

"Prime Minister Trudeau was a man with a vision," said UCC President Eugene Czolij. "His commitment to Canada and to developing a tolerant and just society will remain with Canadians."

The UCC noted that it was pleased that Prime Minister Trudeau had been the guest speaker at the 10th Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians held on October 8-11, 1971. At that congress, the prime minister chose to highlight the government's multiculturalism policy that had been announced in the House of Commons earlier in the week.

Prime Minister Trudeau reminded all Canadians about the importance of multiculturalism and the strength of a tolerant society. He stated: "We have no alternative but to be tolerant of one another's differences. Beyond the threshold of tolerance, however, we have countless opportunities to benefit from the richness and variety of a Canadian life which is the result of this broad mix. The fabric of Canadian society is as resilient as it is colorful. It is a multicultural society; it offers to every Canadian the opportunity to fulfill his own cultural instincts and to share those from other sources. This mosaic pattern, and the moderation which it includes and encourages, makes Canada a very special place."

The UCC statement underlined: "As we continue to evolve as a nation and as other nations look to Canada for leadership, we should remember these words of Prime Minister Trudeau and the unique qualities of our nation that make 'Canada a very special place.'"

UCC President Czolij stated: "On behalf of the UCC and the Ukrainian Canadian community, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the Right Honorable Pierre Elliot Trudeau at this time of sorrow."

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