Photo gallery
FEBRUARY 18 - 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CANADA-KOREA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT RECEPTION
Ottawa, ON - The Canada-Korea Interparliamentary Friendship Group, Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Canada-Korea Interparliamentary Friendship Group hosted a reception on the Hill in celebration of the 5th Anniversary of the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement. The event was well attended by Parliamentarians, dignitaries, Korean War Veterans, public servants, stakeholders and community members. Special messages were delivered by Deputy Minister of Global Affairs, Mr. Jonathan Fried; His Excellency Maeng-ho Shin of the Republic of Korea; Senator Yonah Martin and MP Ali Ehsassi, Co-Chairs of the Canada-Korea Interparliamentary Friendship Group; and a special toast by The Hon. Ed Fast, former Minister of International Trade during the ratification of the CKFTA. On Feb. 19th, Senator Martin organized a CKFTA 5-year review roundtable discussion with various sector stakeholders, representatives from Global Affairs Canada, and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.
JANUARY 26 - JOSEPH CHUNG SCHOLARSHIP DINNER
Surrey, BC - Senator Martin attended the annual Joseph Chung Scholarship Dinner to bring greetings from the Senate of Canada and thank the foundation for the support they are giving to deserving BC students through scholarships.
JANUARY 25 - INAUGURAL MODEL SENATE
Ottawa, ON - The Senate of Canada organized the first Model Senate with nearly 100 students from the University of Ottawa, Carleton University and l’Université du Québec en Outaouais. Journalism students from Algonquin college and Collège à la Cité were also invited to participate and tasked with covering the entire event. Prior to the Model Senate debates that took place in the Senate Chamber, Senator Martin was invited to address the delegates about her role as Deputy Leader and broader role as Senator beyond her legislative duties. Following her speech, the students asked questions on a range of topics: on mental health to partisanship in the Senate. Journalism students also got to do a one-on-one interview with the Senator. As a former educator and champion of youth and young adults, Senator Martin gladly participated in the inaugural Model Senate, and looks forward to it becoming a Senate tradition!
JANUARY 29 - OFFICIAL VISIT OF THE THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF BULGARIA
Vancouver, BC - As founding Co-Chair of Canada-Bulgaria Parliamentary Friendship Group, Senator Martin, Honorary Consul of Bulgaria in BC Ron Suh, and members of the B.C. Bulgarian community welcomed Mr. Georg Georgiev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Her Excellency Svetlana Stoycheva-Etropolski of the Embassy of The Republic of Bulgaria to British Columbia. Prior to their arrival in Vancouver, the Bulgarian delegation made an official visit to Montreal and Ottawa. Over the course of this historic visit of Bulgarian officials to BC, in the 53-year history of Canada Bulgaria relations, the delegation met with Her Excellency Janet Austin, Lieutenant-Governor of BC and federal, provincial and municipal representatives; had productive meetings with Canadian businesses and institutions; and met with leaders and members of the Bulgarian community in BC. It was memorable and historic visit that will be recorded in the annals of BC and Canadian history.
JANUARY 23 - VICTORIA FORUM PLANNING MEETING
Vancouver, BC - Joined by Senator Jim Munson, Senator Martin and the organizing committee met in advance to prepare for the highly anticipated Victoria Forum.
JANUARY 21 - INTERNATIONAL STUDENT VISIT
Chiliwack, BC - Senator Martin and Leo Valentine spoke with international students from South Korea. The students were very engaged and inspired to meet a Korea War Veteran from Canada.
JANUARY 20 - VISIT TO PINETREE SECONDARY SCHOOL
Coquitlam, BC - Senator Martin gave a motivational keynote speech to the graduating students of Pinetree Secondary School. She was encouraged by their energy and drew inspiration for the students. She also met with the school's Leadership Program and commended them for their dedication.
JANUARY 20 - KOREAN WAR VETERANS ASSOCIATIONS AGM
Burnaby, BC - Senator Martin attended the annual KVA AGM and was also joined by Darin Froese of the New Vista Society Consul Lee from the Consulate General of Korea in Vancouver.
JANUARY 18 - CBMC NEW YEAR EVENT
Coquitlam, BC - Senator Martin joined the annual New Year breakfast to bring greetings from the Senate of Canada.
JANUARY 16 - COMMUNITY MEETINGS & EVENTS
Vancouver, BC - Senator Martin met with Don Chapman who champions the cause for 'lost Canadians'. She also met with the Coquitlam K.V.A. Heritage Unit to discuss a Korean War Exhibit at the Coquitlam library. She also met with the Consul General for the Republic of Turkey, Taylan Tokmak to discuss Canada- Turkey relations and 70th anniversary of the Korean War years. Lastly, Senator Martin and the B.C. caucus heard very informative presentations from the Pacific Salmon Foundation, BC Salmon Farmers Association and Fortis BC. Calgary, AB - Senator Martin held a productive meeting with the Calgary Korean War Commemorative Committee to discuss upcoming commemorations for the 70th Anniversary of the Korean War Years.