This week, as part of developing partnerships with Canadian cities and provinces, Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada Yuliya Kovaliv visited Alberta, focusing on deepening cooperation and building stronger ties between Ukraine and Canada.

Meeting with Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek

During her visit, Ambassador Kovaliv met with Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, the city’s first female mayor. The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by Ukrainian mayors amidst constant Russian attacks and the urgent needs for recovery and rebuilding.

The two also explored potential collaborations, including:

• Establishing sister city partnerships with Ukrainian municipalities.
• Supporting the Ukrainian school for children now residing in Calgary.
• Opening a Ukrainian bookshelf at the city’s public library.

A symbol of gratitude from Ukrainian women—a beautifully embroidered towel—hangs proudly in Mayor Gondek’s office, reflecting the strong bond between Calgary and Ukraine.

Focus on Energy, Security, and Reconstruction

The visit to Calgary featured a series of impactful meetings and discussions with business leaders, experts, journalists, members of Parliament, and academics. Key topics included Ukraine’s resilience, reconstruction efforts, energy security, and the global implications of Ukraine’s victory for international stability.

Expert Discussions

• Canadian Global Affairs Institute: Ambassador Kovaliv participated in a panel discussing global security challenges arising from Russia’s full-scale aggression. She also presented President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula, outlining steps to achieve sustainable peace.
• Macdonald-Laurier Institute Roundtable: Together with business representatives, the Ambassador highlighted Canada’s role in ensuring energy security for Ukraine and Europe. Discussions focused on Russia’s weaponization of energy resources, the need to reduce oil and gas revenues that fuel Putin’s regime, and opportunities for Canadian businesses to contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction, particularly in the energy sector.

Ambassador Kovaliv emphasized that renewed trade frameworks, such as the modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement, pave the way for expanded collaboration between Canadian and Ukrainian companies.

Lecture at the University of Calgary

At the invitation of Dr. Rob Huebert, Director of the Centre for Military and Strategic Studies at the University of Calgary, Ambassador Kovaliv delivered a lecture titled "Ukraine’s Victory: Enhancing North Atlantic Security." She was inspired by the thoughtful questions from students and their profound understanding of Ukraine’s pivotal role in ensuring global security.

Interviews and Meetings

The visit also included numerous interviews and productive meetings with key allies and supporters, including Shuv Majumdar and former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney.

Ambassador Kovaliv expressed gratitude for Alberta’s unwavering support for Ukraine and encouraged Canadian businesses and institutions to actively participate in Ukraine’s recovery and modernization.

This visit marks another important step in fostering cooperation and solidarity between Ukraine and Canada, demonstrating the strength of this enduring partnership.