Canada never recognized the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states and was one of the first countries to recognize the restoration of Estonia's independence in 1991. In 2004, Canada was also the first NATO country to ratify Estonia's accession into the organization.
“The Government of Estonia recognizes and appreciates the refuge that Canada offered those who fled the Soviet occupation of Estonia,” said Estonian Ambassador Gita Kalmet. “We hope that our contribution will help ensure that the suffering that millions endured under communism, will never be forgotten in Canada.”
“The Estonian community in Canada is extremely grateful to Tribute to Liberty and the Government of Canada for recognizing and honoring the millions of Canadians whose families were traumatized by communist repression with this memorial and the generous and the important contribution, arranged by Ambassador Kalmet, by the Republic of Estonia towards building it” said Estonian Central Council in Canada President Marcus Kolga.
Once completed, the Memorial will serve to educate future generations of Canadians and other visitors to our nation's capital about the horrors of communist tyranny and ensure that its victims and crimes are never forgotten.
“This contribution by the Government of Estonia reinforces the importance of the initiative to build a National Memorial to the Victims of Communism”, said Ludwik Klimkowski, Chair of Tribute to Liberty. “Canada, our home, opened its arms to generation upon generation of people from around the world that came seeking refuge from the pain and suffering inflicted by evil communist regimes. We are grateful to the Estonian people and government for their substantial support.”
About Tribute to Liberty: Tribute to Liberty is a Canadian charitable organization, formed in 2008, whose mission is to establish a memorial in Canada’s National Capital Region to the victims of communism . It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who represent key ethno-cultural communities affected by communism.
