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CTV - Success Story
Statement made in the House of Commons, September 25, 2006
Mr. Peter Van Loan (York-Simcoe, CPC)
Mr. Speaker, it was 15 years ago that the Conservative government of Brian Mulroney was among the very first in the world to extend diplomatic recognition to the restored independence of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. For half a century, the three Baltic nations were held captive under a brutal Soviet Communist tyranny. Tens of thousands, including some of my family, lost their lives in Stalin's Siberian gulag. During this occupation of terror, freedom was extinguished, but hope was not.
Here in Canada, tens of thousands of expatriates, who fled Communism, also kept hope alive, working to maintain national cultures in the dream of freedom.
One of those remarkable people is with us today. Vaira Vike-Freiberga was born in Latvia, but lived most of her life in Canada. A true Canadian success story, this childhood refugee became a leading Canadian academic, but her work on Latvian culture made her a natural choice to become Latvia's president.
An uncompromising champion of freedom, an embodiment of Canada's potential to promote democratic values, and a respected world statesman, we salute Vaira Vike-Freiberga, President of Latvia
9.27.2006
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Prime Minister Harper & Mrs Harper's reception for president Vaira Vike-Freiberga
9.25.2006
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Prime Minister to meet with President of the Republic of Latvia
9.23.2006
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that he will be meeting with Latvian President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga on Monday, September 25 as part of her State visit to Canada.
"Canada and Latvia enjoy a prosperous bilateral relationship," said the Prime Minister. "President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga?s visit underscores the strong relationship between our countries. This State visit has a symbolic importance as it takes place one month after the 15th Anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations. I look forward meeting with her to explore ways to further develop our partnership.?
Throughout this visit, from September 20 to 26, 2006, President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga will meet with a variety of key Canadian figures including her official host the Governor General, the Premier of Québec, and both the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Senate. President Vīķe-Freiberga will also be accompanied by a high level delegation including the Minister for Children and Family Affairs and the Minister for Economics and a business delegation.
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9.20.2006
Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond had the pleasure of welcoming for the very first time at the Citadelle a head of State making an official visit to Canada. The President of Latvia, Her Excellency Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Mr. Imants Freibergs, were welcomed on September 20, 2006, in front of the governor general?s residence at the Citadelle of Québec. The ceremony included an inspection of the guard of honour by the President, speeches and a receiving line, followed by a t?te-?-t?te and a State luncheon at the Citadelle.
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President of the Republic of Latvia visiting Canada
Canadian Estonians were well represented. Among prominent community leaders attending were pastors Kalle Kadakas, Heino Laanemets, Andres Taul, Honourary Consul General Laas Leivat, President Estonian Central Council in Canada Avo Kittask, President National Estonian Foundation of Canada Lia Hess, President Estonian Arts Centre Stella Pahapill, President of Montreal Estonian Society Epp Luik, President of Ottawa Estonian Society Col Margus Aruja, Eesti Elu website or EE Online editor Vaado Sarapuu. "Kodu" Estonians attending were the new Estonian Chargé d'Affaires Rasmus Lumi and Col. Tõnis Nõmmik, Chief Chaplain of Estonian Defence Forces.
The event consisting of a dinner reception was a success. Peter Van Loan MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, provided the introduction. The keynote address was by Her Excellency Vaira Vike-Freiberga. Ian E. Wilson, Librarian and Archivist of Canada was special guest and the acknowledgement was by Hon. Senator Raynell Andreychuk.
Mrs. Freiberga's term in office has almost expired. She seems to be taking the world "good-bye tour" accompanied by a large delegation that is customary among retiring heads of state or government. Recently, she has actively been lobbying for the head UN job, but her chances of success look dim given Russia's veto and her track record of standing up to the Russian bear.
A recent poll (RIA Novosti 21/6/2005) conducted in Russia indicated that Latvia was widely regarded as Russia's number one enemy. Some readers may be disappointed to learn that Estonia, usually the front runner among the Baltic States in most matters, was ranked only a distant fourth after Lithuania and Georgia.
In addition to their rapid economic and human rights progress, this is a remarkable accomplishment for these tiny countries that so recently shed the shackles of Soviet communism and finally rid themselves of occupant armies. They have replaced the United States (previously termed "the main adversary?), Great Britain and China as enemies of Russia!
Given the fortunate outcome of the recent cliffhanger presidential election, Estonia can be expected to improve its standing in the Russian "greatest enemies" list. Whether this is a good or bad thing is not clear but Estonia now has a president with no communist past who doesn''t speak Russian.
What a nice change in the state of affairs from that which existed in the fatherland when the Baltic Federation first started these Baltic Evenings during the Cold War era!
8.13.2006
On the invitation of the Governor-General of Canada and the Government of Canada the President of the
During the state visit there will be several events where members of the Canadian-Latvian community will be able to participate.
On September 21 at 12:00 the President will be addressing the Toronto Empire Club. The title of the address by H.E. Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga, President of the Republic of Latvia will be "Multilateralism as the Response to the Contempory Challenges". In her speech President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will share her views on the role of the United Nations in dealing with the issues of peace and security, protecting human rights and promoting development. She will also present her opinion on the way forward regarding the UN reform.
Those interested in attending may reserve tickets on the internet at www.empireclub.org, or by phone at 416-364-2878.
On September 24 at 11:00 the President will attend a church service presided over by Rev. Māris Ķirsons at the
On September 25 the Baltic Federation of Canada is once again hosting its traditional Baltic Evening on Parliament Hill. The President will be addressing Canadian MPs and senators. Participation in this event is by invitation from the Baltic Federation.
The Embassy of
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