About Us
The Estonian Central Council in Canada (ECC)/Eestlaste Kesknõukogu Kanadas (EKN), represents the interests of the members and organizations of the Estonian community in Canada. ECC/EKN is recognized by all three levels of government as the voice of Canadian Estonians, and continues to lobby and advocate for the community.
Mission of ECC/EKN
To advocate for the interests of Estonia, and strengthen the ties between the Republic of Estonia, Estonians in Estonia and Estonians living in Canada.
Estonian Central Council in Canada (ECC) Mission Statement
- To support the preservation of Estonian culture, language, history, heritage and identity in communities across Canada
- To represent and advocate for the interests of Estonian Canadians and strengthen ties between Estonians living in Canada, Estonia and other Estonian diaspora communities
- To represent and further the interests of the Estonian Canadian community by working together with governments in Canada and Estonia
To fulfill these objectives the Estonian Central Council in Canada:
- Maintains contact with Canadian Estonian organizations, Canadian and Estonian governments, and their agencies and ministries.
- Fulfils membership obligations in the Estonian World Council and the Baltic Federation of Canada
- Maintains contact with and collaborates with Estonian diaspora communities and organizations
ECC/EKN Members
The Estonian Central Council in Canada (ECC)/Eestlaste Kesknõukogu Kanadas (EKN) was founded in 1951 to further the interests and development of the Canadian Estonian community. EKN: • is recognized by governments in Canada as an official voice of Estonian-Canadians • recognized by the Estonian government as official voice of Estonian-Canadians • represents and advocates for the interests of community organizations and members of the Estonian-Canadian community in Canada and in Estonia.
Cooperation
ECC/EKN is a member of the Estonian World Congress (ÜEKN), the Baltic Federation of Canada, and the Central and Eastern European Council of Canada (CEEC). EKN collaborates regularly with the Estonian Embassy in Ottawa, as well as, the Latvian and Lithuanian Ambassadors and respective Council Presidents, on issues of common interest.
A priority goal is increased cooperation and communication between Canadian Estonian communities and organizations on topics of mutual interest. ECC/EKN looks forward to working together with all Canadian Estonian communities.
Accomplishments
ECC/EKN’s many national accomplishments include Internationally, ECC/EKN has organized and supported Estonian World Festivals, as well as hosted international Estonian conferences and debates. The Tribute to Liberty Victims of Communism memorial in Ottawa, national Black Ribbon Day commemorations, support for the Magnitsky legislation, and support for language and cultural development programs. As a member of Baltic Federation Canada member partner in commemoration of June 14 deportations, Molotov Ribbon Pact and Black ribbon Day commemorations, ongoing support of Ukraine at public events, Estonian Independence Day 106 reception with Estonian Honorary Consulate for Estonian community and politicians and diplomats, flag-raising at Toronto City Hall. ECC/EKN actively participates in ongoing meetings and discussions with Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Lithuanian Canadian Association and Latvian National Association Canada, Stand with Ukraine postcard campaign, Two members of ECC/EKN sit on the government of Estonia’s Global Estonian Advisory Committee.
