Thank you, Alexandra, for that kind introduction. Hello, everyone.  Good evening.  Dobryy vechir.

(Cheers)

Petro’s going to speak to you in French tonight too.

(Laughter)

Let me start by saying what a pleasure it is for me to be here tonight with you all.  I want to thank Paul and Alexandra for their invitation and for all the incredible work they do for the community.  It’s great to be here with you both.

And of course I’d like to recognize a very special friend here tonight.  Please join me in once again giving a warm round of applause to the President of Ukraine, my friend, Petro Poroshenko and his lovely wife, Maryna.

(Cheers & applause)

We are delighted that you both could join us to celebrate Team Ukraine’s debut at the Invictus Games.  We’re incredibly proud to be hosting this year’s Invictus Games for a number of reasons.  For starters, the Invictus Games is an amazing way for our wounded, injured, and sick service personnel to compete at the international level and it’s a chance for the rest of us to not only admire their talent but their strength of character.  As one of your athletes Pavlo Mamontov so eloquently put it, the Invictus Games are not only about the competition but about the friendship between veterans and soldiers who share a similar destiny.

This weekend, the spotlight will turn to those whose courage, determination and passion are an inspiration for us all. While we watch them fight for a spot on the podium, our thoughts will turn to the men and women who continue to answer the call to service.  They put their lives on the line for their country every day.

They travel to some of the most dangerous places on earth to fight for the values and principles we hold sacred to fight for peace, democracy, equality, justice and liberty.

(Applause)

These are the very principles Canadian and Ukrainian soldiers are defending in Eastern Ukraine.  We can’t forget the debt of gratitude we owe to the women and men who have served their country with courage and to their families.

Last year I travelled to Ukraine and met with some of our Canadian Armed Forces personnel, serving as part of Operation UNIFIER.  I had the privilege to witness the incredible work they’ve been doing with our Ukrainian allies and friends.  And as we gather here tonight, my thoughts are with them and their loved ones.  I’m reminded of the sacrifices they have made and continue to make to make our world a better place.  They represent the very best of what it means to love, honour, and serve one’s country.  So please join me in thanking all men and women of the Armed Forces and their families for their service.

(Cheers & applause)

Since the beginning of our mandate our government has demonstrated its commitment to the Ukrainian people, taking real, meaningful steps to strengthen the relationship between our two countries.  Thanks to the hard work of Ministers Freeland and Sajjan, Canada and Ukraine have grown even closer, especially when it comes to trade and defense.  Together, we signed the Canada - Ukraine Free Trade Agreement.  We’ve increased our support to the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission in Eastern Ukraine, and deployed additional police officers to assist with police reforms.

(Applause)

Our countries share common values, a long-standing friendship and ambitions for our citizens’ future. I am certain that Canada will remain a steadfast partner and a loyal friend as we work together to follow through on our joint priorities for future generations.

Once again, thank you for having us here tonight.  I hope to see you cheering on all of our athletes at the Invictus Games this weekend.

Slava Ukrayini, Slava Kanadi!

Thank you, everyone.

(Cheers & applause)