Statement from Premier Pillai on City of Chortkiv, Ukraine Sister City Partnership

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“Today, I was honoured to meet with Chortkiv Mayor Volodymyr Shmatko, chair of the local regional international relations department Marta Hbulish, Dr. Serhii Budenkevych of the Ukrainian Health service and a delegation from the Ukrainian-Canadian Association of the Yukon, marking the official sister city relationship between Whitehorse and Chortkiv.

“This visit represents a significant milestone in our relationship to Ukraine. Ties between the Yukon and Ukraine run deep, and it is an honour to be officially connected in a way that will develop cultural, educational, economic and people-to-people relationships.

“What is happening in Chortkiv, and all of Ukraine, continues to be unimaginable for many Yukoners. I commend all Chortkiv residents for their strength, resilience and bravery in the face of Russia’s brutal and unprovoked war of aggression against independent, peaceful and democratic Ukraine.

“During our meeting, Mayor Shmatko and I discussed the similarities between Chortkiv and Yukon’s communities, and I was able to learn more about the City’s infrastructure, resources, how they are providing safety to thousands of refugees and how they continue to create community amongst residents despite the ongoing war.

“Tomorrow evening, I will join the delegation at a fundraising gala at the Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre to support future aid deliveries from the Yukon to Ukraine. I’m sure many of us will be there to visit with our new friends and to deepen the connection between our communities. 

“I am pleased that the Government of Yukon was able to help offset travel costs for the Chortkiv delegation and I look forward to furthering the relationship between the Yukon government and the municipality of Chortkiv. I also wish to extend a sincere thank you to the Ukrainian-Canadian Association of the Yukon for their continued leadership and support for the Ukrainian community in the Yukon.

“Slava Ukraini! Glory to Ukraine!”