TORONTO – The Ukrainian community in Toronto bid farewell to Ukraine’s Ambassador to Canada, Yuliya Kovaliv, during a ceremony at the historic Old Mill Toronto hotel, as she approaches the end of her term.
Ukrainian World Congress President Paul Grod presented Ambassador Kovaliv with a commemorative shield in recognition of her service and strong support for Ukraine and the global Ukrainian community.
“I am honored to present this unique commemorative shield to Her Excellency Yuliya Kovaliv on behalf of the Ukrainian World Congress. It was handcrafted by veterans of the 215th Battalion of the 125th Brigade of the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces, made from wooden planks of a crate that once held artillery shells supplied to Ukraine by NATO allies. The shield symbolizes the solidarity of international partners and the resilience of Ukraine’s defenders,” said Grod.
Ambassador Kovaliv also presented state honors to prominent Ukrainian Canadian figures and philanthropists during the official ceremony.
Ukrainian Canadian businessman and philanthropist James C. Temerty received the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise — one of Ukraine’s highest honors — for his outstanding contributions to Ukraine’s development, particularly in the fields of philanthropy and support for the global Ukrainian community.
The Order recognizes individuals for significant achievements in state-building, strengthening Ukraine’s international standing, and advancing the country’s economy, culture, and civil society.
Zenon Potoczny, Vice President of the UWC for Operations and President of the Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce, received a formal commendation from the embassy for his ongoing work in support of Ukraine.
The event was organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and brought together distinguished guests, including Ukrainian World Congress President Paul Grod, Canadian Member of Parliament Robert Oliphant, former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, Alexandra Chyczij, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Taras Bahriy, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Ontario Provincial Council, and other members of the Ukrainian community.
