About Us
The Estonian Central Council in Canada (ECC)/Eestlaste Kesknõukogu Kanadas (EKN) was founded in 1951 to represent 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 Estonian Canadians, and advocates for the community.
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
ECC Council
The work of ECC is carried out through its member organizations (annual general meeting and plenary sessions), the board and committees.
Member organizations
Vancouver Estonian Society
Alberta Estonian Heritage Society
Ottawa Estonian Society
Montreal Estonian Society
Hamilton Estonian Society
Hamilton Estonian School
Seedrioru Estonian Summer Camp Society
KESKUS International Estonian Centre
VEMU Estonian Museum in Canada
Toronto Estonian Schools
Kitchener Estonian Society
Jõekääru Estonian Childrens Camp
St. Catharines Estonian Society
Estonian Canadian Business Chamber
Toronto Estonian Kindergarten (applicant)
Directors
Reet Marten Sehr (Chair of the Board),
Kadri Nõmmik Munro (Secretary-Treasurer),
Marta Kivik, Lia Hess, Andres Kasekamp, Valia Reinsalu, Paul-Erik Veel, Peter Vilde, Katarlina Jaenes, Kelly Schuler-McDonald
Committees
Strategic Planning Committee: Reet Marten Sehr, Lia Hess, Katariina Jaenes, Piret Noorhani, Valia Reinsalu, Tiit Romet, Kelly Schuler-McDonald, Ellen Valter, Peter Vilde
Education Committee: Johanna Helin, Valia Reinsalu, Peeter Põldre, Reet Marten-Sehr
Media and Communications Committee: Valia Reinsalu, Paul Läänemets, Kadri Munro, Reet Marten-Sehr, Kelly Schuler-McDonald
Youth Committee: Katariina Jaenes, Kaisa Kasekamp, Mihkel Jaenes, Lukas Schuler Desnoyers
Honours/Awards Committee: Marta Kivik, Kadri Munro, Paul Läänemets, Ingrid Soide, Kairi Taul Hemingway
Advisory Council
Margus Rava, Estonian Ambassador to Canada
Toomas Heinsoo Estonian, Honorary Consul of Estonia in Toronto
Robert Zeidler, Managing Partner, Dabbert Group
Kaisa Kasekamp, President, Global Estonian Youth Network
Cooperation
ECC is a member of the Estonian World Council, and the Baltic Federation of Canada. ECC collaborates on an ongoing basis with the Estonian Embassy in Ottawa, and works together with, the Latvian, Lithuanian and other communities, on issues of common interest.
ECC has 2 representatives on the Estonian World Council board: Reet Marten Sehr and Marta Kivik, with Peter Vilde as alternate. ECC's representative on the Estonian Government's Global Estonian Cooperation Commission is Reet Marten Sehr.
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.