About Us
The Estonian Central Council in Canada (ECC)/Eestlaste Kesknõukogu Kanadas (EKN), represents 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 Canadian Estonians, and continues to lobby and advocate for the community.
Mission of ECC/EKN
To represent, unite and support the preservation of Estonian culture, language, history, heritage and identity in communities across Canada
To advocate for the interests of Estonia, and strengthen the ties between the Republic of Estonia, Estonians in Estonia and Estonians living in Canada
ECC/EKN Members
The Estonian Central Council in Canada (ECC)/Eestlaste Kesknõukogu Kanadas (EKN) is a nationally elected council founded in 1951 that furthers the interests and development of the Canadian Estonian community. The size of the council varies between 25 to 40 members, depending on the number of members who run in the elections which are held every 4 years.
Cooperation
ECC/EKN is a member of the Estonian World Congress (ÜEKN), the Baltic Federation of Canada, and the Central and Eastern European Council of Canada (CEEC). EKN collaborates regularly with the Estonian Embassy in Ottawa, as well as, the Latvian and Lithuanian Ambassadors and respective Council Presidents, on issues of common interest.
A priority goal is increased cooperation and communication between Canadian Estonian communities and organizations on topics of mutual interest. ECC/EKN looks forward to working together with all Canadian Estonian communities.
Accomplishments
ECC/EKN’s many national accomplishments include 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. Internationally, ECC/EKN has organized and supported Estonian World Festivals, as well as hosted international Estonian conferences and debates. Two members of ECC/EKN sit on the government of Estonia’s Global Estonian Advisory Committee.
Estonians in Canada
In the 2016 Census, nearly 25,000 Canadians identified themselves as Estonian but it is estimated to be closer to 40,000 Canadians of Estonian heritage. The official numbers may not account for variables such as descendants and their children, unlisted individuals, minors, and landed immigrants. Each of these groups can be participants in the community, yet may not be listed in the Census.
In the early 1970’s, statistics state that there were approximately 20,000 Estonians in Canada. After two generations, not all Canadians of Estonian heritage will identify themselves first as Estonians, but we believe that regardless of how these Estonians Canadians identify themselves, they do remain as Estonians.
ECC
The Estonian Central Council in Canada (ECC)/Eestlaste Kesknõukogu Kanadas (EKN) is a nationally elected council founded in 1951 that furthers the interests and development of the Canadian Estonian community.