Hon. Andrew Cardozo: Honourable senators, on March 19 — along with most senators — I was honoured to vote yes on third and final reading of Bill C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine, and to see the act given Royal Assent the same day.

I am pleased to inform you, colleagues, that last week I met the Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada, Yuliya Kovaliv, and she informed me that the Ukrainian Parliament had passed a counterpart act rectifying the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement on April 10 — just last Friday. This is good news, and, I hope, colleagues, you will join me in welcoming it.

The bill passed the Ukrainian legislature with its provision to promote high levels of environmental protection firmly intact. The bill advances fair, inclusive and transparent trade with Ukraine, and it supports the long-term security, stability and economic recovery in that country.

In addition to making trade easier and strengthening economic ties between our nations, this agreement is a stirring statement of support from this Parliament and from Canada for the Ukrainian people as they defend themselves against the invasion from Russia.

Thank you.