Canadian Observers Mission, Ukraine 2004
Member David Fleet served in the mission... here is a brief account in his own words.

David Fleet and Andrew Hupfan with interpreters.

Interesting, exhausting, satisfying.

Those are the typical initial answers I provide to explain my experience as part of the first ever contingent of the "Canada Corps"" last December. The official Canadian Observers Mission to the rerun of the Ukraine Presidential Election had a contingent of 500. The mission was organized through the Canadian International Development Agency and its logistical consultant CANADEM. (Google CANADEM for more information). I was the Chernivtsi team leader of 18 Canadians. We traveled together across much of the Ukraine. Despite widely varying backgrounds, we had a common purpose centered on the rule of law, and transparent fairness in the exercise of a democratic election.

We started with ten days notice to gather in Ottawa for two days of government briefings. Briefings and preparation in Kyiv, including last minute travel arrangements inevitably meant that we functioned sleep deprived and with an erratic meal pattern. Twice (once on election day) I was up for more than 24 consecutive hours.

As I personally observed the election, it was better run than some I have participated in within Canada. International observers, of which Canadians were at the forefront, clearly achieved two purposes. First, we were a material deterrent to electoral fraud. Second, we were a material part of legitimizing the election of the winning presidential candidate, Viktor Yushchenko.

The Canadian Observers Mission was indisputably political but non-partisan, with active participants from all five federal parties, plus many Canadians who typically had political experience but not necessarily of a partisan nature.

Following a lengthy period of correspondence at his own expense, out chairman, Canon Shea, visited Westminster in August of 2004 for meetings with former Labour MP Joe Ashton. Mr. Ashton is chair of a group attempting to organize an association of former parliamentarians at Westminster.

It seems the Speaker at Westminster has been very supportive of the goals of former members but the current government doesn’t share the same enthusiasm. Lobbying efforts continue. We will keep you up to speed on future developments.

Our chair, Canon Derwyn Shea, has been working to develop a unique tour for members of OAFP There is some interest in scheduling the tour for either the spring or fall of 2006. The proposal is to fly from Toronto to Belfast, Edinburgh, Cardiff and London. At each city the two day stop-over would hopefully include a visit to each parliament, and meetings with the Speaker, sitting and former members, and dinner briefings by foreign affairs staff.

Details need to be settled before we can formally offer this tour for registration but we wish to express our appreciation to our Speaker, the Hon. Alvin Curling and his staff who have agreed to offer support for this proposal.

If you have any interest in participating in such a tour, please e-mail our chairman with your contact information including name, address, telephone number and e-mail or fax number.

Our finances have finally stabilized thus allowing us to tend to an outreach objective envisioned in our chapter. All of our members have experienced the value of the Page Programme first hand. We know the value to sitting members and we know involvement in the programme is a very positive experience for the participants.

To date we have donated $500 towards the Legislative Page Programme on our member’s behalf. If there are other projects you believe we should be considering please drop us a note with details.