Saskatchewan-Ukraine Relations Advisory Committee (SURAC) stays

Deputy Premier Ken Krawetz announced that the Saskatchewan-Ukraine Relations Advisory Committee (SURAC) will be extended until 2018.

SURAC works to strengthen relations between Saskatchewan and Ukraine, and has provided recommendations on government initiatives such as the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program as well as offered advice on city-twinning arrangements, academic exchange agreements, and reciprocal official visits.

The committee was established six years ago, picking up on the work of similar advisory bodies going back to 1993.

“The people of Saskatchewan and Ukraine are bound together by history, friendship, cultural ties, and trade,” Krawetz said.  “Settlers from Ukraine helped shape our province more than a century ago, and we remain committed to enhancing this special, long-standing relationship and working on it with our province’s Ukrainian community, particularly in light of Ukraine’s current crisis.”

The deputy premier said that with the escalation of political violence in Ukraine, SURAC has also played a key role in raising awareness of humanitarian concerns and being a voice for the Ukrainian community.  The provincial government responded to concerns by donating $60,000 in aid to Ukraine that was used to buy medical supplies, support family rehabilitation and provide trauma support for healthcare professionals.

SURAC Committee members include:
Gerald Luciuk, Chair, Regina;
Alicia Klopoushak, Vice-Chair, Saskatoon;
David Dutchak, Saskatoon;
Kari Harvey, Secretary, Regina;
Dr. Natalia Khanenko-Friesen, Saskatoon;
Laurent Mougeot, Regina;
Holly Paluck, Regina;
Nadia Prokopchuk, Saskatoon;
Danylo Puderak, Saskatoon;
James (Jim) Shevchuk, North Battleford; and
Mary-Anne Trischuk, Yorkton.