Ukrainian Canadian Congress
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) describes itself as being the representative of the Ukrainian Canadian community before the people and Government of Canada, promotes linkages with Ukraine and identifies and addresses the needs of the Ukrainian community in Canada to ensure its continued existence and development for the enhancement of Canada’s socio-cultural fabric. Originally known as the Ukrainian Canadian Committee, it was established as a result of the efforts of the Ukrainian Canadian community in November 1940 by the Government of Canada.
According to the 2011 Census, there are over 1.25 million Canadians of Ukrainian background living in Canada. The Ukrainians first settled in Canada in 1891 and have developed strong communities in every region of Canada.
Leadership
The current UCC National President is Paul M. Grod (2007–present). Mr. Grod was first elected at the Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians and was subsequently re-elected at the XXIII Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians held in Edmonton in 2010 and again at the XXIV Triennial Congress in Toronto in 2013. UCC and its President Paul Grod were listed as among the "Top 80 Influencing Canada's Foreign Policy" in March 2012 by Embassy News" magazine, Canada's Foreign Policy news weekly.[1] Paul Grod was included in March 2014 in a list of Russian sanctions against Canadian officials in response to Canadian sanctions imposed on Russia.[2]
UCC past Presidents include:
- Ms. Orysia Sushko (2004-2007)
- Mr. Eugene Czolij, Q.C. (1998-2004)
- Mr. Oleh Romaniw, Q.C. (1992-1998)
- Mr. Dmytro Cipywnyk, C.M., M.D. (1986-1992)
- Mr. John Nowosad (1980-1986)
- Dr. Serge Radchuk, C.M., Q.C. (1974-1980)
- Dr. Peter Kondra (1971-1974)
- Very Rev. Dr. Serge Sawchuk (1957-1959)
- Mr. Antony Yaremovich (1953-1957)
- Rev. Dr. Wasyl Kushnir (1940-1953); (1959-1971)
Organizational Structure
UCC National has two main offices. The Head Office is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba and the National Office is located in Ottawa, Ontario. The organization has various tiers. UCC is made up of:
- 6 Provincial Councils (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec & Saskatchewan)
- 20 Branches (Brantford, ON., Calgary, AB., Canora, SK., Durham Region, ON., Edmonton, AB., Hamilton, ON., Lethbridge, AB., London, ON., Montreal, QC., Ottawa, ON., Regina, SK., Saskatoon, SK., St. Catharines, ON., Toronto, ON., Vancouver, BC., Vernon, BC., Welland, ON., Windsor, ON., Yorkton, SK.)
- 31 National Members (Ukrainian Organizations)
- 17 Committees
The UCC is a member of the Ukrainian World Congress, the umbrella organization of nearly all Ukrainian diaspora communities.
References
- ↑ Top 80 influencers: Foreign policy hot shots, Embassy News, March 28, 2012 (retrieved on August 4, 2014).
- ↑ Russia releases 13-people sanctions list in response to Canada's move, Voice of Russia, March 24, 2014 (retrieved on August 4, 2014).
Website
Ukrainian Canadian Congress Homepage