BCU Stands United at the XXVIII Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians 2025
11.20.2025
Resilient Together: 400 Voices. 1 Congress. 1 Mission: Ukraine.
From November 14–16, 2025, BCU Foundation proudly served as a Gold Sponsor for the XXVIII Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians; the largest national gathering of the Ukrainian-Canadian community, held this year in Toronto. The Congress, which convened over 400 community leaders from across Canada, served as a crucial amalgamated reporting and planning session for all local and provincial UCC councils. The atmosphere was one of shared purpose, emphasizing community resilience, continued advocacy, and coordinated support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s genocidal war.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the UCC for organizing such a valuable and wonderful Congress and for bringing the community together for this vital mission.
On a celebratory note, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the UCC, on her successful re-election for another three-year term. We recognize that the next three years will be challenging, but we are extremely pleased that she and her dedicated team remain onboard to lead the Ukrainian Canadian community through this critical period.
We also extend our deepest congratulations to Oksana Prociuk-Ciz for being awarded the prestigious UCC National Taras Shevchenko Medal, the highest honor granted by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
A Gathering of Global Inspiration
This year’s event powerfully highlighted the magnitude of efforts from both the Canadian government and the Ukrainian-Canadian community. The courage of Ukrainians defending their sovereignty served as the ultimate inspiration, reinforcing global lessons through powerful local actions. The Congress featured greetings and insights from an extraordinary roster of distinguished guests, including:
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The Honourable David McGuinty, Canada’s Minister of National Defence
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His Excellency Andrii Plakhotniuk, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Canada
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The Right Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s Special Representative for the Reconstruction of Ukraine
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Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk
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The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
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Lt-Gen (Ret’d) The Honourable Roméo Dallaire
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The Honourable Anita Indira Anand, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs
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Her Excellency Natalka Cmoc, Canada’s Ambassador to Ukraine
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Paul Grod, President of Ukrainian World Congress
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Mykola Kuleba, Founder of Save Ukraine
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And many other dedicated officials, including Senator Stan Kutcher, MP Yvan Baker, MP James Bezan, MP Larry Brock, and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.
BCUF’s Commitment: Leading the Discussion
BCU Foundation and BCU Financial were honored to sponsor and reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the Ukrainian Canadian community and standing with Ukraine. As part of this commitment, they proudly sponsored the Plenary Panel on the Future of Canada-Ukraine Defense. Nadia Gereliouk, a Director of BCU Foundation, had the distinct honor of presenting the panel and speaking passionately about BCU’s unwavering dedication to the Ukrainian community both in Canada and in Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. The distinguished panelists included:
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John McKay, MP of Scarborough-Guildwood
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Dr. Katheron Intson, CEO of Sentinel R&D
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Andrew Potichnyj, Director of the Ukrainian World Congress’ Unite with Ukraine initiative
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Senator Rebecca Patterson
Our Dual Mission: Aid Abroad and Strength at Home
For BCU Foundation, supporting those who defend Ukraine isn’t just something we do, it’s who we are. We are deeply committed to humanitarian efforts on both sides of the ocean:
In Ukraine: Life-Saving Humanitarian Support
Our mission focuses on delivering critical aid to those in harm’s way:
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Providing essential medical supplies for surgeries and trauma care.
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Funding ambulances for frontline relief efforts.
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Supporting the long-term recovery of soldiers through the funding of prosthetics and rehabilitation.
In Canada: Building Community Resilience
Here in Toronto and across the country, BCU Financial has worked in partnership with local charities to sustain and strengthen our community by:
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Supporting local settlement services for newcomers displaced by the war.
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Funding Ukrainian schools and education programs.
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Awarding scholarships to help the next generation thrive.
Our goal at BCU Financial and BCU Foundation is and always has been to strengthen our community and sustain a nation that has so bravely fought and continues to fight for its freedom. Together, we forge the path forward—standing stronger than ever and embodying the powerful slogan of the Congress: Resilient Together.
