Hetman
Awards Banquet
Ukrainian
Canadian Congress
Speaking
Notes for the Hon. David Kilgour
November
25, 2001
Edmonton
Ladies,
Gentleman, fellow Albertans,
First
let me say how privileged
I feel to be with all of you
here this evening at the Hetman
Awards Banquet. I have met
many of you over the years
and have forged several lasting
friendships in the process.
It
is also a pleasure to share
the stage – if only for a
moment – with the Lieutenant
Governor of Alberta, The Hon.
Lois Hole. We all eagerly
await her keynote address
this evening and for that
reason, I will limit my remarks
to a few minutes.
Tonight
we honour several outstanding
Ukrainian-Albertans for the
significant volunteer and
leadership contributions they
have made in our community.
Edmonton
is known to the rest of Canada
as a diverse and multicultural
center, due in large part
to the multitude of theatrical,
musical and sporting events
we host each year. We are
also known as a compassionate
and caring city, committed
to ensuring the safety and
vitality of all those who
make Edmonton their home.
In
both instances, the important
work carried out by many of
you here this evening cannot
be overstated. Volunteers
are dedicated individuals
who have committed their time,
energy and financial resources
to a variety of important
causes and in doing so, provide
our community with an irreplaceable
public service.
It
goes without saying, that
without the considerable efforts
and commitments made by the
hundreds of volunteers and
volunteer organizations throughout
this city and province, we
would not be able to enjoy
a quality of life for which
we have grown accustomed.
Members
of the Ukrainian-Albertan
family contribute significantly
to the spirit and character
of this province. They selflessly
lend their time and energy
to events, charitable causes
and social issues each year.
Their generosity makes the
impossible happen every day.
Their efforts are unparalleled.
And I know the importance
of Ukrainians in settling
the west – especially Alberta!
The 100 anniversary
of the Ukrainian settlement
was 1991.
On
behalf of the Government of
Canada, please permit me to
extend sincere congratulations
to everyone here this evening.
Your tireless effort and commitment
to the people of Edmonton
is admirable. Please keep
up the good work!
Thank
you.
