Cooperation between
Ukraine and Quebec
Canada maintains strong trade and cultural relations with Ukraine, in which Quebec plays an important role thereto.
To emphasize the importance of relations with Quebec, on September 2, 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine appointed for the first time an Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Montreal.
According to the last census conducted by the Government of Canada in 2016, 42,550 people of Ukrainian descent live in Quebec.
The Honorary Consulate of Ukraine in Montreal aims to develop trade and cultural ties between Ukraine and Quebec. The fact that the Honorary Consulate is located in Quebec demonstrates the importance of Quebec for Ukraine.
Trade relations between Ukraine and Quebec
Quebec is Ukraine's largest trading partner in Canada in terms of both export and import of goods.
In 2019, the trade in goods between Ukraine and Canada exceeded 291 million dollars, of which Quebec accounted for more than 36%, and these volumes are growing every year.
In the same 2019, trade in goods between Ukraine and Quebec exceeded 104 million dollars, of which Ukrainian exports amounted to more than 71 million dollars, and Quebec exports - more than 33 million dollars. Compared to 2018, the total trade in goods between Ukraine and Quebec in 2019 increased by almost 26%.
The largest share of exports from Quebec to Ukraine was frozen pork, the volume of which reached 11 million dollars. Quebec also exported medicine ($3.4 million), pet food ($2.9 million) and mining equipment ($2.6 million) to Ukraine.
Apple juice ($19.5 million), titanium dioxide ($10 million), iron ($8.8 million) and skis ($3.9 million) accounted for the largest share of Ukrainian exports to Quebec.
Cultural ties between Ukraine and Quebec
Ukraine is developing cultural ties with Quebec, particularly in the book and music fields. However, quarantine restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the number of cultural exchanges between Ukraine and Quebec.
In 2019, Ukraine made its debut at the Montreal Book Fair as a partner country. At the Ukrainian stand, publishers from Ukraine presented the best modern works of Ukrainian literature, and fairy tales using augmented reality were demonstrated for the youngest readers.
On May 18, 2021, a concert by the Montreal Classical Orchestra called "Great Slavs" took place. Due to quarantine restrictions, the number of seats in the hall was limited. However, the concert was available as a webcast, allowing everyone to enjoy it. The works presented included the overture to the opera "Taras Bulba" by Mykola Lysenko. The concert was partially sponsored by the Shevchenko Foundation and the Ukrainian People's Fund Desjardins in Montreal.
Among the interesting elements of Ukrainian culture, we can mention Vyshyvanka Day, which is held every year on May 22. On the Facebook page of the Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Montreal and on the Twitter page of the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada, you can view a photo of the holiday, which took place on May 22, 2021, in compliance with all quarantine restrictions.