Bilateral relations
Slovenia and Canada have excellent political and economic relations and cooperate in many international organizations including UN, NATO, The Human Security Network, and the OSCE. Canada recognized Slovenian independence on January 15, 1992. Slovenia opened an Embassy in Ottawa on March 13, 1993.
As of late 2007 Canada does not have an Embassy in Slovenia. The Canadian Embassy in Budapest, Hungary is therefore accredited to Slovenia on a non-resident basis.
Slovenian community in Canada
There is a strong Slovenian community in Canada and the Embassy assists all Slovenian organizations and citizens on issues with Slovenia and helps promote Slovenia to all Canadians. In addition, the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad supports cultural, education, sports, business and science cooperation among Slovenians abroad. It ensures that Canadian Slovenians or any Slovenians living abroad can find a link to Slovenia.
Slovenians can be found in every province however, a majority of Slovenians are located in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia. There are a number of Slovenian Associations and Groups across Canada. There are two large associations in Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia and many more in Ontario. There are three Slovenian churches in Toronto, Hamilton and Montreal.
The first Slovenians came to Canada in the early 1900’s. The second generation of Slovenians came as refugees after the second world war. The third generation of Slovenians came in the 1960’s. Currently, Slovenians continue to visit Canada and some continue to emigrate. Most of the emigration moves to Ontario where the community is largest.
The Slovenian communities continue to hold on to the tradition of Slovenia to enrich Canada and other ethnic communities. Vseslovenski kulturni odbor (VSKO) is a well known and recognized institution in the Slovenian community of Ontario and throughout Canada. Established in 1991, VSKO was formed by the existing Slovenian organizations in hopes of creating an organization that would serve as a bridge between geographically divided communities and organizations, in their goal of promotion and preservation of Slovenian culture and heritage.
There are several useful contact informations about Slovenian Community Organizations in Canada at the VSKO webpage.