May 27, 2001

Canadian Radio-Television & Telecommunications Commission
1 Promenade du Portage
Terrasses de la Chaudiere
Hull, Que.
K1A 0N2

Dear Sirs:

It has come to our attention that World Telemonde (WTM) has submitted an application for licensing to provide Canadians with multilingual television programming. We understand that this is the second such application.

Our organization, formed in 1927 and still very vibrant, represents over 1,000 Albertans and over 4,000 Canadian families country-wide. As such, we are particularly interested in promoting the cultural diversity that formed such a strong point in attracting immigration to Canada in the first place. What better way to achieve such diversity than to allow WTM access to Canada's airwaves?

We also note that section 27 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms enshrines and protects Canada's multicultural nature. If this part of our Charter is to be given any meaning, it should be done in part by the CRTC, as that is in effect your mandate. Please do not deny to ALL Canadians access to the world.

Respectfully,

Eugene Harasymiw, LL.B.
President
Alberta Ukrainian Self-Reliance League
10611 - 110 Ave.
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 1H7
ph/fax: (780) 457-5170