President Pirc Musar visits Slovenian community in Toronto: "I am proud to see how, in your diversity, you are always united by a common goal – to preserve your Slovenian identity and build a successful future in Canada."

The community in Ontario is large and well-organised, with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Most members of the community are concentrated in the Greater Toronto Area, but many also live elsewhere in the province, including the Niagara region, Hamilton and northern Ontario. According to unofficial data, between 40,000 and 50,000 Slovenian compatriots live in Canada, who have managed to preserve their rich cultural identity while successfully integrating into Canadian society.

The President began her visit to the Slovenian community with a meeting and discussion with representatives of the Canadian Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and members of the Association of Slovenians Educated Abroad (VTIS). She specially congratulated the Canadian Slovenian Chamber of Commerce on its 35th anniversary and highlighted its contribution to economic integration between the two countries.

The President then attended a formal reception and meeting with the Slovenian community at the Slovenian centre on Browns Line, where in her speech she highlighted the importance of dedication, connectedness and contribution to preserving Slovenian heritage. "I am delighted and honoured to be here today among you – a strong, vibrant and diverse Slovenian community in Canada. Here, far from our homeland, Slovenia proudly admires your efforts, your dedication and your unwavering determination to keep Slovenian roots alive and to connect the two countries and their communities," she said. 

In her speech, she particularly emphasised the importance of Slovenian schools that preserve the language, folklore groups that pass on Slovenian folk traditions to the youth, and choirs that spread Slovenian songs and culture. She also highlighted the importance of the Canadian Slovenian Historical Society in preserving memory for future generations, the role of Slovenian churches as spiritual and cultural centres, and resorts and parks as places for socialising. In her words, all these organisations together form a vibrant network that nurtures and preserves Slovenian heritage in Canada.

She also recalled a historic moment from the time of Slovenia's gaining independence, when Slovenian compatriots in Toronto first raised the flag of the new Slovenian state in front of the City Hall on 25 June 1991, and thanked them for continuing the tradition of raising the Slovenian flag every year on the Statehood Day.

She concluded her speech with the words: "Your community is a bridge between cultural heritage and economic future, between the past and the future. I am proud to see how, in your diversity, you are always united by a common goal – to preserve your Slovenian identity and build a successful future in Canada."

On this occasion, the President presented the President of the Republic of Slovenia's award to the All-Slovenian Cultural Committee for the important unifying role in exceptionally long-standing and persistent work of Slovenian associations and organisations in the province of Ontario in preserving Slovenian cultural heritage, language and historical memory, as well as for its invaluable contribution to community integration and strengthening friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Slovenia and Canada. The award was accepted on behalf of the committee by its president, Vera Margutsch. 

President Pirc Musar concluded her visit to Toronto with a lecture and discussion with students at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, where she spoke about the internal political challenges facing the European Union, including the issue of enlargement, and its position in the international community. The President presented her thoughts on the future of European integration and the role of the EU as a global political actor, and then joined in a discussion with students.