posted on: 2009-02-26 15:34:16
The Improvident Step of Ignatieff
Translation of editorial in Ukrainian Echo (Homin Ukrainy)
February 10, 2009
On Thursday, January 22, 2009 the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Michael Ignatieff, announced his first Shadow Cabinet, in which he removed the Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre, Borys Wrzesnewskyj, from his post of Critic for Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism. Moreover, Michael Igantieff completely dismissed Borys Wrzesnewskyj from the Shadow Cabinet of the Liberal Party- the official opposition to Stephen Harper’s Conservative Government.
As is widely known, Borys Wrzesnewskyj is privy to the support of not only the Ukrainian community, but also that of other Canadian ethno-cultural groups, due in large part to his effective activism on their behalf in the Canadian Parliament, particularly on matters of citizenship, immigration and multiculturalism. In addition, he has proven himself a reliable expert in international politics, most notably on issues pertaining to Eastern Europe and the near East.
Without a doubt, Borys Wrzesnewskyj must be included amongst the most prospective Canadian politicians of the younger generation. Such was recognized by the former leader of the Liberal Party, Stephane Dion, but regretfully, for reasons unknown, not by Michael Ignatieff.
Certainly, in politics, the reasons for dismissal of a particular politician can be many, including the result of a shallow understanding of the dynamics and history of multiculturalism in Canada, in which Ukrainian-Canadians maintain an important position. One must remember that Michael Ignatieff resided outside of Canada for over 30 long years. The reasons for Mr. Wrzesnewskyj’s dismissal may have been ones of internal party politics. However, if the removal of Borys Wrzesnewskyj is in anyway related to his Ukrainian heritage, this action of the leader of the Liberal Party will not be passed over by Ukrainian-Canadians. The turbulent beginning is well known of the relationship between the Ukrainian community and Michael Ignatieff at the peak of his political career in Toronto and against the background of as yet not rectified offensive assertions regarding Ukrainians in his book <<Blood and Belonging>> in which he discussed his Russian roots.
Michael Ignatieff should provide an explanation regarding his views and actions towards Ukrainians. We also encourage him to begin building bridges with the Ukrainian-Canadian community by taking concrete measures.
The first of such measures must be the immediate return of M.P. Borys Wrzesnewskyj to the Shadow Cabinet in a position that is both pertinent to his expertise and beneficial to the Liberal Party and its present leader, Michael Ignatieff.
The leader of the Liberal Party and its political establishment should remember that the next federal election may be just around the corner…
The interests and contribution of the Ukrainian community in Canadian society will only be fittingly acknowledged when our elected representatives hold appropriate positions in government. Please let it be known that you will give your support to that party which will value highly qualified politicians such as Borys Wrzesnewskyj. Let it be known that you are astounded that today’s Liberal Party, with its new leader, does not seem to comprehend the calibre of politician which they have in their ranks in Borys Wrzesnewskyj. Please draw attention to this miscalculation by writing or phoning to the following:
(a) Michael Ignatieff, MP
Leader of the Opposition
Ignatieff.M@parl.gc.ca
Tel: 613-995-9364
Fax: 613-992-5880
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
(b) Rodger Cuzner, MP
Chief Opposition Whip
CuzneR@parl.gc.ca
Tel: (613) 992-6756
Fax: (613) 992-4053
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
(c) Ralph Goodale
Official Opposition House Leader
GoodaR@parl.gc.ca
Tel: (613) 947-1153
Fax: (613) 996-9790
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Source: e-POSHTA/ e-ПОШТА February 25 лютий 2009 -- Vol.10 No. 5
