For over 50 years of oppressive Soviet occupation, Estonians living in Estonia weren’t even allowed to speak about the independent republic. Estonian refugees and their descendants became the voice of Estonia, informing the world about the illegal occupation and demanding freedom for their fatherland.
Upon restoration of independence in 1991, Estonia recognized the importance of quickly integrating into international organizations and the West to ensure its national security. Membership in the European Union and NATO, as well as a strong relationship with the United States, Canada and other democracies have been cornerstones of Estonia’s foreign policy.
On January 20th, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in for the second time as President of the United States. It has rapidly become clear that the US is no longer a trustworthy ally of either Canada or the EU. While threatening close friends with tariffs and contemplating takeovers of Greenland, Canada, the Panama Canal and Gaza, Trump is “resetting” relations with indicted war criminal Vladimir Putin and negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine without Ukraine or Europeans at the table. He is openly spreading Kremlin propaganda and lies about Ukrainian president Zelensky, and contrary to international laws and norms demanding that Ukraine hold elections while the country is still being attacked. Trump’s statement that Ukraine started the war and will need to make concessions to Russia sent shock waves around the world. Canada and Europe’s most powerful ally has abandoned the rules-based international order, which is vital for the survival of small states like Estonia. The future of Ukraine, and ultimately both Estonia and Canada are at stake.
Estonian Canadians were united in purpose and action through 50 years of Soviet occupation. For the past 3 years, we have stood strong with Ukraine and now share February 24th with the Ukrainian people. This date should forever remind us that democracy is fragile, requires hard work and all of our participation.
As Canada awaits a federal election, Estonian Central Council in Canada calls upon our community to support candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to defending Canada’s economic and territorial sovereignty. We encourage you to ask candidates:
- To increase Canada’s defence spending to 3% of GDP immediately.
- To make all necessary investments to secure Canada’s national interests.
- To insist on durable security guarantees for Ukraine, including a full return of Russian occupied lands and NATO membership.
- To confiscate all seized and frozen Russian assets and turn them over to Ukraine..
These measures are of urgent necessity to secure Canada’s sovereignty and lasting peace in Europe.
Elagu Eesti Vabariik! Slava Ukraini!
Estonian Central Council in Canada
