The launch reception was abuzz with energy, with professionals and businesspeople from all industries, each with a connection to Estonia, whether it be through heritage or business – or both!
Ellen Valter, the lead for the business chamber, kicked things off by introducing the need for a business chamber that progresses Prime Minister Mark Carney's mandate letter to cabinet to prioritize reliable trading partnerships. With Europe as Canada's second largest trading partner, Estonia steps up to further this goal.
Estonia's Ambassador to Canada, Margus Rava, and Estonia's Honorary Consul for Vancouver, Evaleen Jaager Roy greeted guests and encouraged attendees to help take up the cause and get involved, and Kadi Metsandi, Estonia's e-Residency representative for Vancouver touched on how over 130,000 e-Residents have already set up almost 38,000 companies in Estonia, accessing the European market.
The evening was sponsored by Estonia's Embassy in Ottawa and by UrbanRacks out of Vancouver that partners with Estonian Bikeep, and Kosta Chatzispiros talked about the thriving business relationship between the two companies.
The buzz in the room was palpable, with many businesspeople of Estonian heritage (or “Estonian-adjacent”) attending a Vancouver Estonian-related event for the first time.
The Business Chamber launch followed a full day conference by CityAge re The Next Metro Vancouver. Miro Cernitig, the lead for CityAge, was also the driving force behind the chamber launch as well as the next day Canada-Europe Connect curated by Estonia's Honorary Consuls in Vancouver, Evaleen Jaager Roy and Evi Mustel.
The Estonian Canadian Business Chamber has overcome inter-provincial barriers that have confounded trade in Canada, and now successfully launched in two provinces!
This half-day conference was rich with examples and potential for business flourishing between the two countries.
The Estonian Canadian Business Chamber has overcome inter-provincial barriers that have confounded trade in Canada, and now successfully launched in two provinces! The next event is in Toronto on November 6, 2025. Go to estonianchamber.ca to learn more.
Discover the benefits of giving wisely, to a project that will support Estonian activity across North America, and beyond!
Please join the growing list of KESKUS capital campaign donors via www.estoniancentre.ca/capital-campaign to help bring this extraordinary project to completion.
