The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced today three initiatives to support Ukraine’s efforts in building a more peaceful, democratic and prosperous future for its people.

Canada has been a global leader in supporting the ongoing democratic and economic transition in Ukraine through a broad range of projects that support free and fair elections, decentralization, free media, religious freedom, the rule of law and economic growth.

Today, the Government of Canada announced funding for the following projects:

• $1.2 million to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe to support the administration and coordination of elections;
• $3 million to the International Foundation for Electoral Systems to strengthen reform on transparency and anti-corruption in the Ukrainian political process; and
• $2.9 million to the National Democratic Institute to help Ukrainians practise transparent election financing and promote women’s political empowerment.

The projects announced today, totalling $7.1 million, will promote the participation of citizens, particularly women, as well as enhance civil society engagement in the electoral process.

http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2015/03/18a.aspx?lang=eng