Over the past three years, the Czech Embassy in Ottawa has expanded the number of Honorary Consuls in Canada from two to seven and two more candidates are in the approval process for Halifax and Winnipeg. The aim of the Czech Embassy is to open an honorary consulate in every Canadian province. The Czech Republic, with the aid of honorary consulates, can to a certain extent, assist the compatriot community, help deepen economic ties and strengthen relations between the provinces and the Czech Republic.

At the meeting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic informed the honorary consuls on the possibilities of support available to them from the Czech Republic. The Director of the Economic Diplomacy Department, Assistant Deputy Marek Svoboda, introduced the priorities of the economic diplomacy. The attendees were also informed about the current consular and visa policy issues.

The honorary consuls in attendance were, Jerry Jelinek (HC, Calgary, AB), Hynek Zikovsky (HC, Montreal, QC), Jim Reed (HC, Victoria, BC), Lenka Storzer (HV-C, Victoria, BC), Karel Vecera Galland (HC, Vancouver, BC), Gery Corcoran (HC, St. John’s, NL), John Steinsky (HC, provinces PE & NB) and Vladimir Hlas (candidate for HC, Winnipeg, MB).