Hello everyone,

We have recently been advised that the Canadian Forces will be moving forward with a  training session in the spring of 2023. MR23 will likely be very similar to the previous training session. At  this point, the information we have is very limited. The approximate“in the box” training dates  are May 8^th,2023, until May 22^nd, 2023, inclusive, with a few days of initial briefings to take place before and after the date range suggested.

Although we have not formally commenced casting, we are reaching out on a preliminary basis to individuals who have attended a session before and expressed an interest in continuing to work with us.

The main language will be Russian and or Eastern European, and our casting choices are limited  and dictated by military requirements. As we work through the logistics of pre-planning, at this  point COVID-19 requirements are not required but could change with evolving circumstances as predicted by the medical professionals. The safety of our cast and crew is a top priority as we  continue to adhere to the protocols suggested for providing a safe and healthy work  environment.

If you’d like to be included in the MR23 training session, please click on the link below  (ACS intake form LINK ) and fill out the form. Please respond to us by February 28th, 2023.

>>>ACS intake form LINK<<< CLICK ON THIS      

Once we hear from you, we will reach out and confirm your attendance when the military confirms the details.

Sincerely,

ACS Casting

(587) 334-7734 

M. Araghi – Chief of Staff, Allied Container Systems

The IBU Cup Biathlon (International Biathlon Union www.biathlonworld.com ) tour is returning to Canmore, Alberta for the final events of the season from February 22 – March 4 2023.

There are several training days as well as racing on Feb. 23,25, & 26 and March 1, 2 & 4 . All races will be streamed live as well. Details on race timing can be found here: https://www.biathlonresults.com/ simply select IBU Cup/OECH and scroll down to find the Canmore events.

There is plenty of room for spectators so bring your flags and bells to cheer on the biathletes, especially our Latvian competitors! Biathlon is the most popular winter sport on television in Europe as there is lots of action.

For anyone who would like to volunteer during the event, the link is here: http://canmorebiathlon.ca/volunteers/ Training will be provided. Calgary social club members have helped in the past by greeting teams at the airport (usually their first stop in Canada). It is special to be greeted by a fellow countryman who speaks their language (although most speak English) after a long journey.

For those who like to plan far in advance, in March 2024 the final World Cup of the season will be held in Canmore from March 11 – 17th. The Crystal Globes will be awarded here.

There is plenty to do in Canmore, so make a day or weekend of it and surprise the Latvian biathletes with the number of “hometown” flags along the trails!

Send any questions to info@canmorebiathlon.ca

The following certificate was sent to Imanta from LNAK (Latvian National Federation in Canada). It acknowledges IMANTA’s selfless volunteer work for the good of Canadian Latvian society. The last phrase reads “The strength and vitality of our (LV) society is based on the selfless participation of each individual member. That is the truest confirmation of love for one’s nation.” The recognition is greatly appreciated by Imanta!

Hello dear friends!

We are pleased to announce that on Friday, November 18^th, 2022 in honor of Latvia’s Independence Day the Edmonton High Level Bridge will be illuminated in the colours of the Latvian Flag.

Imanta will celebrate Latvia’s Independence Day on Saturday, November 19^th, 2022 at Laurier Community Hall, 14405 85 Avenue, NW, Edmonton with a potluck style get together. This will be a casual event to connect after all the pandemic restrictions, to learn more about Imanta and to take the opportunity to meet and make new friends! Everyone is welcome! Doors will open at 5:30 pm with dinner and short program to start at 6:00pm. This will be a potluck style dinner so please bring something delicious to share. There will also be a cash bar.

• Admission:
• $10 per adult member / $15 per non-member
• $5 per child 6-17 years
• under 6 years no charge

IMANTA is once again pleased to announce our self-administered scholarship program for the 2022/2023 education year, funded by the ongoing casino program and governed by the regulations of the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission.

Scholarship Eligibility

The scholarship is open to:

1. Alberta residents who are Canadian citizens, landed immigrants, or foreign students on visa and are registered as full or part-time students as defined by the accredited or licensed educational institution
2. Applicants who are registered in a Continuing Education course related to a career goal

Eligible Institutions

All accredited post-secondary educational institutions in Canada. Such institutions include universities, colleges, polytechnics and trades training institutions that the Advisory Committee is satisfied are duly accredited or licensed.

Scholarship Award Criterion

All applications will be evaluated by an advisory committee, consisting of at least one IMANTA board member and two members from the community at large, which will present recommendations to the Executive. IMANTA’s Executive retains final decision-making authority over the selection of scholarship recipients.

Application Process

All applicants must complete and submit the attached application form along with the requirements as listed on the form. Applicants will be required to submit official receipts of tuition paid before any monies are distributed. The deadline for scholarship applications relating to enrollment in the 2022/2023 fall/winter program or 2023 spring/summer program must be received by IMANTA no later than November 1, 2022. Awards will be announced by November 30, 2022. Payment will be made directly to the individual upon submission of proof of attendance (i.e. official tuition receipt) at the recognized educational institution.

Scholarship Application 2022-2023

Submit applications by email, with a read receipt, to:
The Edmonton Latvian Society ‘Imanta’
Attn: Adjudication Committee
imantaedmonton@gmail.com

We are pleased to confirm that our Ligo will be held on Saturday, June 25th, 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Once again we will be at Partridge Hill Community Park – 22002 Township Road 542, Fort Saskatchewan. There will be activities for both adults and children such as wreath making (we will have some flowers but more is always appreciated), Latvian Jāņu cheese making, games, singing and a raffle. There will also be a Pīrāgu contest, (so please bring your best if you would like to participate). Our top 3 chef’s will be awarded a prize. Imanta will provide dinner for all. Please reply to imantaedmonton@gmail.com if you are planning to come so that we can better plan the amount of food. We have access to the hall in the event of inclement weather. Bring your own camping chairs and BYOB if you so wish. Appetizers, desserts or snacks are potluck style. There will be no overnight camping allowed. An admission fee of $10.00 will be charged per person, children under 10 are free.

After a long time away we are finally able to meet again and celebrate Summer Solstice!  Our celebration will once again be held at the Partridge Hill Community Park near Ft. Saskatchewan. There is a large outdoor area for many activities.  Imanta is busy planning and looking for extra volunteers to help make this a memorable event.  If anyone is interested in camping overnight, the site can accommodate tents or RV’s, but there are no hook-up utilities provided. Camping will only be allowed with prior approval from Imanta and we will only approve overnight camping if we have a volunteer who can step forward and offer their services for overnight management of the area.

Please contact us by email (imantaedmonton@gmail.com) if you would like to help us out or if you would like more information. We are looking forward to meeting our old friends and always open to meeting new friends and supporters of Imanta! More details will follow at a later date.

The Board Members of the Edmonton Latvian Society Imanta extend a very warm invitation to our  members, volunteers, friends and supporters to this  year’s AGM. Please join us as we host our Annual General Meeting and review the successes and challenges of the past year. We are always looking for new members and new ideas! Support us, become a member or join our board!

When: Saturday, April 9^th. Doors will open at 12:00 p.m., meeting will be called at 12:30 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you!     

 

In support of Ukraine and her right to sovereignty, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council is organizing a “Human Chain for Ukraine Rally”.  Those interested in joining please meet at the MacEwan University intersection of 104 Ave & 109 Street at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 27, 2022. The rally will run in both directions along 109 st. south towards the Alberta Legislature and north towards Kingsway and WILL NOT be blocking traffic at any intersections. All supporters of Ukraine, democracy and the free world are encouraged to attend, wearing Ukraine’s colours of blue and yellow in support. Bring signs with the following messages

– Stand with Ukraine – Join Us
– Weapons to Ukraine NOW
– Punish Putin – War Criminal
– Help Ukraine by donating – albertastandswithukraine.ca
– NATO Secure Ukraine’s Airspace
– Boycott Russian Products

For more information on the #AlbertaStandsWithUkraine initiative, including for ways to donate to the #HelpUkraineNow Humanitarian Assistance Initiative led by the Canada Ukraine Foundation, please visit https://albertastandswithukraine.ca

Organizations providing humanitarian aid:

Red Cross (Canadian Government is matching donations)

https://www.redcross.ca/about-us/media-news/news-releases/red-cross-launches-ukraine-humanitarian-crisis-appeal

Canadian Ukrainian Foundation: https://www.cufoundation.ca/

The Latvian Embassy is planning a mobile passport station in Alberta sometime between late spring to early summer. Please write to consulate.canada@mfa.gov.lv if you are in need of this service. This will help them plan their trip to Alberta and BC. Any questions regarding passports should be sent to the consulate in Ottawa. The more requests they receive directly from you, the better they are able to plan.