SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia

Honourable senators, on behalf of me and Senator Ravalia, I rise to mark the one hundred and seventh anniversary of the Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia.

For generations, foreign powers have tried to bend the Latvian people to their will, including German crusaders, Polish kings, Swedish monarchs — not the ones who are here today — Russian czars and later, in the 20th century, during World War II, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.

All attempted to take Latvia’s sovereignty, lands, culture and identity and break its spirit. None succeeded. Latvians stayed brave, resilient and determined to live freely.

In 1918, at the end of the First World War, Latvia proclaimed itself an independent republic. The following decades brought two of the harshest occupations Europe had ever experienced, by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Deportations, repression and efforts to erase Latvian identity left lasting scars. Nevertheless, the Latvian spirit persisted.

In 1991, Latvia regained its independence and rejoined the democratic community, eventually joining NATO as well.

Canada was proud to be the first G7 nation to acknowledge Latvia’s renewed sovereignty and, later, the first to ratify its NATO accession. Latvia, in turn, has been a steadfast partner and a model ally to us.

Today, the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia is our largest overseas military deployment. Nearly 2,000 members of the Canadian Armed Forces serve there on rotation, and some are even accompanied by their families. Our Canadian Armed Forces work daily alongside the Latvian forces and 12 other NATO allies to strengthen collective defence and deter potential future Russian aggression.

Our countries are connected by more than just agreements. We share democratic values, a dedication to peace and security, and a friendship built on decades of mutual trust.

And let me be clear: If Latvia is ever threatened with invasion again, especially from Russia, Canada will stand shoulder to shoulder with the Latvian people and fight alongside them to defend the rules-based international order and defend all of our freedoms.

On this one hundred and seventh anniversary of Latvia’s Independence Day, Senator Ravalia and I invite all senators to join us in honouring a brave nation that has never been defeated in spirit. In the presence of His Excellency Ambassador Ozoliņš, his wife and representatives from the embassy, please join me in reaffirming Canada’s enduring friendship with the Republic of Latvia.

Thank you.