In the broader context of the celebration of the Czech national holiday – the Day of the Establishment of the Independent Czechoslovak State on 28 October – the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Ottawa organised a presentation of the Czech Republic to the Canadian Parliament on 21 October 2025.

The event was co-organized with MP John Brassard, who is the chairman of the Canada-Czech Republic Parliamentary Friendship Group. He visited Prague this year where he gained a new appreciation for the work of Czech scientists and companies. The event was the first meeting of the group after this year's elections to the House of Commons and it served to introduce Czechia to MPs and Senators who may join the group's activities.

The presentation was attended by twelve MPs and three Senators, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, Tom Kmiec MP, and Karina Gould MP, a Canadian Member of Parliament with family roots in Czechoslovakia. The event was also attended by representatives of the Global Affairs Canada - Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Czech companies, and the CEO  of EGAP, the Export Guarantee and Insurance Company of the Czech Republic, Mr. David Havlíček and the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Marek Dlouhý.

In his opening presentation (see attachment), Ambassador Martin Tlapa presented the Czech Republic, from the history of Czech statehood, to its economy, science and education outlining the potential for further cooperation with Canada. "Mutual trade is growing successfully, thanks to the duty-free CETA agreement, it has increased by 55% since 2016 and today reaches 1.3 billion Canadian dollars. And in recent years, we have also seen significant investments from Czech companies, e.g. Colt CZ Group and WIKOV/Litostroj. This increases the presence and market share of Czech companies in Canada, as well as the potential for Czech-Canadian cooperation in other markets," said Ambassador Martin Tlapa.

This was followed by presentations on the activities and projects of Czech companies in Canada from representatives of the Czech defence, agrifood, health and energy sectors.

Andrew Ward of Colt Canada outlined how the company, embedded within the Colt CZ Group, is expanding its supplies to the armed forces of NATO allies and Ukraine.

Nicky Yardley presented the best traditions of Czech beer brewing in the national enterprise Budějovický Budvar brewery, and the plans of the company in Canada, where its lager – sold under the brand name Czechvar - has significant market share in the premium beer sector.

Wayne Flynn, Executive Director of Linet Canada, presented the manufacturers cutting edge hospital beds, which lead the sector globally, and their plans for further development of Linet on the Canadian market, which is currently dominated by American manufacturers.

The energy and engineering expertise of the Czech industry was highlighted by William Daoud on behalf  of WIKOV/Litostroj which has carried out dozens of refurbishments and deliveries of new turbines for hydro power plants across Canada. Canadian hydro power is a multibillion sector, accounting for 65% of electricity production (the highest share among the G7 and OECD countries).

Other Czech companies active in Canada, e.g. GZ Media/Precision Record Pressing, Draslovka, Aero, Principal, Bednar and Třinec Ironworks, were presented in a catalogue.

The presentation of advanced Czech skills caught the attention of the Canadian legislators in attendance. The subsequent discussions also brought a surprising and pleasing finding that some of them already know the Czech Republic and its products very well, including MP Amanpreet Singh Gill from Alberta – an owner of a vintage Zetor tractor and a Jawa motorcycle from the Czech Republic.

The Chairman of the Group, MP John Brassard, is already planning another meeting of friends of the Czech Republic in the Canadian Parliament