Question Period Note: Canada's International Assistance to Ukraine

Canada's international assistance continues to support Ukraine's efforts to implement democratic and economic reforms, and to provide humanitarian assistance.

• Canada has long been one of Ukraine's most constant partners, committing over $1.225 billion in international assistance to Ukraine since its independence.

• In July 2018, Canada committed to providing up to $50 million annually in support of socio-economic programs across the country, building a strong and accountable democracy, and contributing to peace and security in Ukraine and the region as a whole.

• Canada believes that when we invest in women and the most vulnerable and marginalized groups, we give them the same opportunity as everyone else to become agents of change and contribute to building a better and more inclusive Ukraine.

In July 2018, the Minister of International Development visited Ukraine and reaffirmed Canada's support to help Ukraine build a democratic, rules-based country that delivers security, prosperity and freedom for its citizens, including an up to $50M whole-of-government commitment, with $35M in bilateral development assistance.
1. Bilateral Development Assistance: Canada's is implementing the Feminist International Assistance Policy in Ukraine through three Action Areas: Inclusive Governance, Growth That Works for Everyone, and Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls. In all of its programming, Canada focuses on women's empowerment and the inclusion of the most vulnerable or marginalized Ukrainians. Canada continues to support Ukraine's ambitious reform agenda, strengthening government institutions to protect human rights, uphold democratic values and principles and deliver quality services to its people. Canada also helps strengthen core democratic institutions, including courts and civil society organizations. Canada's support helps Ukraine ensure that its economy promotes equality and shared prosperity, including through direct support to the most vulnerable populations, such as conflict-affected populations, especially women.
2. Peace and Stabilization Operations Program: Canada contributes to stabilizing and improving security for Ukrainians by supporting the search for a mutually acceptable end to the armed conflict. Canada supports conflict mediation and promotion of dialogue and reconciliation; mine clearance and awareness; ceasefire and human rights monitoring; and security sector reform. Through the Canadian Police Arrangement, civilian police officers are deployed to international peace and stabilization operations. In Ukraine, up to 45 civilian police officers are deployed to the bilateral policing mission and the European Union Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform, where Canada supports regional security and police reform, including gender sensitive policing models.
3. Humanitarian assistance: Around 5.2M people are affected by the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, with women and elderly bearing the brunt.

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