EDMONTON, Alberta – Alberta’s Minister of Economic Development and Trade Deron Bilous has declared “Alberta’s Year of the Ukrainian Canadian.”
Minister Bilous made the announcement on August 7 while speaking at the celebrations of the 125th anniversary of Ukrainian immigration to Canada during Ukrainian Day at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village located outside of Edmonton. Alberta’s Year of the Ukrainian Canadian will be brought forward for proclamation during the fall session of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.
“Generations of Ukrainians overcame many challenges for a new start in Alberta. They helped build this incredible province and, as one of their many descendants, I take tremendous pride in honoring that contribution on behalf of the government of Alberta,” stated Minister Bilous. “I therefore declare 2016-2017 as ‘Alberta’s Year of the Ukrainian-Canadian.’ ”
He added: “Today, more than 345,000 Albertans are of Ukrainian descent and our province continues to welcome newcomers from Ukraine in this 25th year of Ukraine’s independence. This declaration recognizes and commemorates the accomplishments and contributions of Ukrainian Canadians to our society in every way from culture and the arts, to education, to business and public service.”
Olesia Luciw-Andryjowycz, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Provincial Council, stated: “On behalf of the Ukrainian Canadian community of Alberta, I thank the government of Alberta for this important declaration. As we celebrate the 125th anniversary of Ukrainian immigration to Canada, we honour the immense contribution that our community has made, and continues to make to our great province.”
“From the first pioneers who came from Ukraine to Canada 125 years ago, Ukrainian Canadians have been an integral part of the social fabric of Alberta,” Ms. Luciw-Andryjowycz noted.