For Immediate Release
August 22, 2008

Barrett attends Ukrainian flag raising

Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett attended a flag raising ceremony yesterday at Queen’s Park that marked the 17th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.

“It was an honour to attend the raising of the Ukrainian flag in front of the Ontario Legislature,” Barrett said. “We have benefited immeasurably from people who have over the years come to Ontario from the Ukraine.”

From the early 1900s our area has been fortunate to be home to Ukrainians – by 1916 Norfolk County became home to over 1,500.

In 1918, Ukrainians won independence from Russia and although it lasted only a few years, it remained an important issue amongst Ukrainian Canadians.

With the fall of the Soviet Union, Ukrainian people declared independence once again on August 24, 1991.

“In Haldimand-Norfolk we are blessed with many different communities and cultures along with the traditions and values they have brought along with them,” Barrett said. “Through their traditions and work ethic, Ukrainians have helped enrich the lives of all of us over the years.”

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