The Netherlands and Canada share a special relationship based on our political, historical, economic and cultural ties. This relationship was confirmed when the Joint Declaration on the Strengthening of the Bilateral Relations between the Government of the Netherlands and the Government of Canada was signed on September 23rd, 2003, by then Prime Minister Chrétien and Prime Minister Balkenende. Through this declaration both countries have committed themselves to further develop and support the special bond that our countries hold.

Many of the personal relationships that contribute to the strong bilateral ties were forged during the Second World War. The Netherlands holds a deep appreciation for Canada as Canadian forces played a leading role in the liberation of the Netherlands. Moreover, the Netherlands remains grateful for the hospitality that was extended to H.R.H Princess Juliana and her family during the Second World War as they lived in Ottawa during much of the occupation of the Netherlands and H.R.H Princess Margriet was born in the OttawaCivicHospital. The lasting gratitude is shown every year when the Netherlands donates several thousands of tulips that contribute to the annual Tulip Festival held in Ottawa.

Immigration is another factor which has contributed significantly to the relationship between the Netherlands and Canada. From 1928 to 1971, the immigrants from the Netherlands formed the largest ethnic group to immigrate to Canada. Dutch immigration peaked during and closely following the Second World War, slowing down with the economic recovery of the Netherlands in the years thereafter. According to the statistics of the Canadian census of 2001, more than 900.000 Canadians declared to have full or partial Dutch ancestry.

The Netherlands has set five priorities in the bilateral relations with Canada for the year 2006.

• We will actively involve ourselves in increasing the cooperation between Canada and the Netherlands to ensure regional stability around the world as illustrated by the joined operations in Afghanistan.
• We will focus on policy exchange with Canada regarding immigration and integration, the highlight of this policy exchange was the successful visit of the Dutch Minister of Immigration and Integration, Ms. Verdonk, to Canada in June 2006.
• We hold as a priority to report to Dutch governmental departments as well as Dutch businesses, about the trade and investment potential that lies in Western Canada. The Netherlands will seek to actively involve itself in the proposed infrastructural investments particularly in West Canada, harbour development (Vancouver) and extraction of natural resources in Alberta and the North WestTerritories. Furthermore, the trade between Canada and the Netherlands shows growing potential in niche markets such as the waste management sector and the environmental technology sector.
• We will carry out the Dutch International Cultural Policy in which Canada is among the countries that have priority. Our focus lies on the support of dance, youth theatre, youth film and literature, upon approval artists in these disciplines may receive financial support in order to accommodate their visit and performances in Canada.
• We will be actively involved in public diplomacy throughout Canada using HollandFest. In the month of May of 2006, HollandFest took place in Canada’s main cities and it will recur on an annual basis in the years to come. During HollandFest, the embassy and all consulates participate in a joint program of economic, cultural, academic and military-historical activities to improve the image of the Netherlands and to further Dutch standpoints within Canada.