Canada announced new initiative to support economic development and democratic governance in Ukraine
28 April 2015 20:40
The Honourable Chris Alexander, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced the Canadian contribution to support municipal democracy and economic development in Ukraine. Minister Alexander made the announcement while in Kyiv at the International Support for Ukraine Conference.
The Partnership for Local Economic Development and Democratic Governance project, to be implemented by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), is aimed at promoting effective democratic governance and economic development at the local level in four different regions of Ukraine, representing a mix of geographic, economic and cultural contexts.
“Today's announcement reaffirms Canada's commitment to building sound public institutions and supporting long-term economic prosperity for the well-being of the Ukrainian people,” said Minister Alexander. “Canada remains a world leader in helping to promote democratic values and stimulate sustainable economic growth in Ukraine.”
“This initiative will help institutionalize democracy at the municipal level and will assist the people of Ukraine to fully realize their democratic rights and responsibilities to the benefit of their local and regional economies,” said Minister Paradis. “We are pleased to partner with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities on this important ground-up initiative.”
“Over the past five years, FCM and its members have built a network of friendship and collaboration with their counterparts in Ukraine, offering expertise and support through challenging times,” said Brad Woodside, FCM President. “Ukraine continues to undergo profound change. We are pleased to be able to support Canada’s strategic priorities in the region and contribute to the advancement of democratic, sustainable and prosperous communities in Ukraine.”
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.
http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?mthd=index&crtr.page=1&nid=968039
