A reception in Ottawa in honour of the 107th Anniversary of the Republic of Latvia opens a series of festive events across Canada

On 3 November, 2025, in celebration of the 107^th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia, the Embassy of Latvia hosted a reception and a film screening of the Academy Award winner animation film “Flow” at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

The Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence of Canada, and the Honourable Mona Fortier, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Foreign Affairs of Canada, participated as the guests of honour and delivered their remarks.

In his address, Ambassador Kaspars Ozoliņš thanked Canada for the strong cooperation in defence, as Canada leads the NATO multinational brigade in Latvia.  The Ambassador also highlighted Latvia’s achievements last year – the election to the United Nations Security Council and highest cinematography awards received by Latvian animation “Flow”.  The Ambassador expressed appreciation to all present – Senators and Members of Parliament of Canada, members of Canadian Armed Forces,  the diplomatic community, representatives of various government institutions and NGO’s and the Latvian diaspora - for their strong support and collaboration.

The Minister of National Defence David McGuinty and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mona Fortier noted in their remarks the close relations and cooperation between Latvia and Canada, as well as the joint efforts in promoting international peace and security and rules based international order. They also reaffirmed Canada’s strong commitment to the security of Latvia and NATO’s Eastern flank.

Separate events in honour of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia, organised by the Latvian communities, will take place across Canada. On 14 November, Ambassador Kaspars Ozoliņš will participate in the Independence Day celebration with the Latvian community in Richmond, British Columbia, on 15 November Ambassador will attend a festive event and a concert at the Latvian Centre in Toronto, followed by the celebration in Hamilton on 16 November. In Ottawa, Ambassador Ozoliņš will attend the celebration on 22 November.  There will also be events in Montréal, Québec, and in Edmonton, Alberta.

On 18 November, in recognition of the Independence Day of Latvia, the Latvian flag will be raised  at the Ottawa City Hall, as well as in Toronto and in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

As every year, on 18 November at 10 pm local time for 15 minutes Niagara Falls will be illuminated in the colours of the Latvian flag.