Luncheon Hosted by the Head of Lviv Oblast State Administration

Lviv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 25, 2009

It is a tremendous pleasure to be here with you in Lviv, one of the great heritage cities of Europe, one of the greenest cities in Ukraine, and one of the main centres of Ukrainian culture. 

Governor Kmit, my husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, the members of the Canadian delegation accompanying us and I would like to extend to you our heartfelt thanks for opening the doors and heart of your city to us, and for hosting this luncheon in honour of our State visit to Ukraine. 

We know that times are tough, given the serious financial crisis gripping the world, and we believe that never before has the solidarity between peoples been as vital to overcoming the challenges of the day.

We believe that a concerted approach is infinitely more constructive than isolated efforts.

We are concerned about what our Ukrainian friends are going through.

As you are undoubtedly aware, Canada is home to the largest Ukrainian community outside of Ukraine and Russia, and I am told that most of their ancestors can be traced back here to Lviv.

Clearly the bonds between our peoples run deep. 

And it is with the hope of further rekindling that spirit of solidarity that we will be holding discussion forums here to share points of view and forge partnerships on issues that are important to us, including the civic engagement of youth, special-needs children and the perspectives, contributions and achievements of Ukrainian women.

We are also looking forward to taking in the architectural splendour and magnificence of your city, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

And so, with the confidence that our stay in Lviv will be a most rewarding experience, I raise my glass to the unbreakable friendship between Canada and Ukraine.