April 23, 2014
Prime Minister’s Office, Ottawa
Introduction
In the lead up to Ukraine’s presidential elections, Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced support for three new initiatives that will promote democracy in the country, and see up to 500 observers travel to Ukraine to monitor the elections.
The initiatives include providing:
A Canadian election observer mission of up to 338 observers for the presidential elections;
Support for up to 150 Canadian observers to participate in the Organization for Security Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Election Observation Mission for the presidential elections; and,
12 Canadian parliamentarians to join the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Election Observation Mission delegation to the presidential elections.
Quick Facts
Canada was the first Western country to recognize Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Since 2004, Canada has contributed hundreds of election observers to five successive Ukrainian elections, to help further strengthen democracy in the country.
In recent months, Canada has provided support to help Ukraine stabilize its economy, promote economic and social development, and for urgent medical assistance for Ukrainians injured while standing up for democratic change.
Canada, along with a number of other member countries of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), is also taking part in a special observer mission that is reporting on the political and security situation in Ukraine.
Quotes
“Canada is a world leader in helping to promote democracy and good governance in Ukraine. The measures announced today will help ensure that the upcoming Ukrainian elections are free and fair and that democracy and governance are the cornerstones of the new Government.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper
“Canada will continue to help ensure that Ukrainians are free to exercise their sovereign rights and to choose a leader, free from coercion or intimidation.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper
SUPPORT FOR DEMOCRACY INITIATIVES IN UKRAINE: BACKGROUNDER
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Ukraine during this important period of transition. To this end, on April 23, 2014, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced $11 million in support that could see up to 500 observers travel to Ukraine to monitor the upcoming presidential elections. This support would be targeted towards three new initiatives that will promote democracy in Ukraine in the lead up to the country’s presidential elections taking place on May 25, 2014.
The new support announced today will be provided through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development.
More specifically, support will be allocated as follows:
Ukraine 2014 Presidential Election Bilateral Observation Mission
Amount: $6.8 million (2014-2015)
This project will deploy a robust Canadian election observer mission, composed of up to 338 observers. This includes approximately 38 long-term observers and 300 short-term observers who will undertake electoral analysis, stakeholder engagement and support the Canadian election observer mission.
Ukraine 2014 Organization for Security Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) / Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Presidential Election Observation Mission
Amount: $4 million (2014-2015)
Canadian financial support will provide for 15 Canadian long-term observers and 135 Canadian short-term observers for the presidential elections (including a second round, if required).
Canadian Delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Election Observation Mission
Amount: $200,000 (2014-2015)
This project will provide funding to support the participation of 12 Canadian parliamentarians in the OSCE Parliamentary Association election observation mission to the presidential elections.
Contacts
PMO Press Office: 613-957-5555
This document is also available at http://pm.gc.ca