Ukrainian Canadian Congress
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) describes itself as being the representative of the Ukrainian Canadian community before the people and Government of Canada. It promotes linkages with Ukraine and identifies and addresses the needs of the Ukrainian community in Canada to ensure its continued existence and development for the enhancement of Canada's socio-cultural fabric. Originally known as the Ukrainian Canadian Committee, it was established as a result of the efforts of the Ukrainian Canadian community in November 1940 by the Government of Canada. According to the 2016 Census, there are over 1.35 million Canadians of  Ukrainian background living in Canada, giving Canada the third-largest Ukrainian population behind Ukraine itself and Russia. The Ukrainians first settled in Canada in 1891 and have developed strong communities in every region of Canada. Leadership. The UCC National President is Alexandra Chyczij. The previous UCC National President was Paul M. Grod (2007–2018), who later became the President of the Ukrainian World Congress. Mr. Grod was first elected at the Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians and was subsequently re-elected at the XXIII Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians held in Edmonton in 2010 and again at the XXIV Triennial Congress  in Toronto in 2013. UCC and its President Paul Grod were listed as among the "Top 80 Influencing Canada's Foreign Policy" in March 2012 by "Embassy News" magazine, Canada's Foreign Policy news weekly. Paul Grod was included in March 2014 in a list of Russian sanctions against Canadian officials in response to Canadian sanctions imposed on Russia. Shevchenko Medal. The UCC has issued the Shevchenko Medal to the following recipients: