A revitalized role for the Estonian Central Council in Canada

REET MARTEN SEHR

EKN Vice President, Global Estonians

This is the first in a series of articles profiling the work and activities of the Estonian Central Council in Canada (Eestlaste Kesknõukogu Kanadas – EKN), and Estonian communities from across Canada.

A proud history

EKN is the nationally elected central organization of Canadian Estonians. Founded in 1951, mostly by former members of Estonia’s parliament and cabinet ministers in exile, it is mandated to further the interests and development of the Estonian-Canadian community. Prior to 1991, its primary goal was to develop relationships with Canada’s political parties, and levels of government and publicize the unlawful occupation of Estonia by the USSR. During these years, the prime activity of EKN was lobbying, as it was crucial to keep the fate of the Baltic states on the political agenda of Western governments. The ‘non-recognition de-jure’ of the Soviet annexation was a constant battle fought in Ottawa, against relentless Soviet pressure for Canada to abandon it.

(Full story available via link below)