March 2017

IMANTA IS 70 YEARS OLD! Our society was founded on March 8, 1947, and is still the oldest active Latvian society in Canada. Viola Baker, one of the original founders, recently celebrated her 95th birthday. Both milestones are remarkable achievements. We will recognize this anniversary at our March 26th event below.

In preparation for Latvia’s centenary celebrations next year, a special Latvian flag is travelling to Latvians around the world. It’s making its way to Alberta via the Maritimes, Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan, and then to to Vancouver, Kelowna, across to Europe, USA and South America, returning to Latvia next year. This project is a youth initiative created in 2015 in anticipation of Latvia’s 100 birthday in 2018.

The flag will be in Edmonton on Sunday, March 26th. There will be a short official ceremony and everyone will be invited to sign the accompanying book of messages, to write a wish for Latvia as a symbolic gift for future generations. Children’s group activities, a social afternoon and our annual meeting are also part of the program.

Details: Laurier Heights Community Hall at 14405 – 85 Ave NW Edmonton. The program starts at 1pm. Refreshments will be served.

The national organizers of this event ask that people dress appropriately to show respect for the flag.

The flag will also be in Calgary on Saturday, April 8th. This event is combined with a church service with Rev. Dāvis Kaņeps from Hamilton. It will start at 12 noon and will be followed by refreshments and a social afternoon. Coffee/tea/juice will be provided. Please bring something for the buffet table. Kitchen facilities will not be available.

Details: St. Edmund’s Anglican Church, 8336 – 34 Ave NW Calgary, beginning at 12pm

Latvian Passport Information

The mobile passport service will be in Vancouver on April 28th and Calgary on May 2nd. It will also be in Saskatoon and Edmonton in the fall of 2017. Those dates will be announced when confirmed.

To apply for or renew a LV passport and book an appointment time, please send your full contact info (name, address, phone number, email) to the LV Consulate: consulate.canada@mfa.gov.lv

You will also have to send by mail a photocopy of your LV passport and a photocopy of proof of Canadian residency: Canadian passport, PR card, Canadian visa.

If applying for your first LV passport, send a copy of your birth certificate and/or the confirmation of your LV personal code (ID number).

Mailing address:

Embassy of Latvia, Suite #1200, 350 Sparks Street, Ottawa ON K1R 7S8

Please bring all original documents to your apointment.

Children can apply for an adult passport as of age 15 and until then, the parent with LV citizenship applies on behalf of the child.

Cost:

Adult Passport: $140. Passport for seniors or children under age 20: $110

Adult Passport + ID card: $160. For seniors or children under age 20: $130

Postal delivery to any Canadian address: $25

Payment can be made using debit or credit at time of appointment.

Each appointment will be ~20 minutes long. All passports are issued in Riga and will be mailed within 4-6 weeks.

Please contact the LV Embassy with further questions or if you need other consular services: consulate.canada@mfa.gov.lv or 1-613-238-6014