Who we are and what we do

We are the network of missions in Canada. With a dedicated team of nearly 40 staff members, we represent the interests of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Dutch citizens in Canada. We are based in the capital Ottawa (Ontario) and in Toronto (Ontario) and Vancouver (British Columbia). There are also seven honorary consuls representing the Netherlands in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Our work

The scope of our work is as broad and diverse as our bilateral interests. Therefore it is no surprise  that in 1939, the Netherlands was the fourth country to enter into diplomatic relations with Canada. History, close personal ties and shared norms and values have since contributed to our strong bilateral relations. We have forged close political, military, economic, cultural and social ties with Canada. We work closely together on many levels – bilaterally, in NATO, the United Nations and the OSCE and in the context of cooperation between the EU and Canada.

New opportunities

It is important to link past achievement and future potential. We are constantly looking for new forms of economic cooperation, while promoting trade between Dutch and Canadian businesses. We represent the interests of the Dutch business community and, where it aligns, of individual companies.

We also help Dutch people in consular matters. We inform both Dutch and Canadian nationals who are entitled to a pension of their rights and obligations. Cooperation in all these fields creates new opportunities, enhances our safety and wellbeing and ultimately benefits Dutch citizens in both the Netherlands and Canada.

Dutch heritage in Canada

Emigration from the Netherlands to Canada in the 20th century was a key factor in our bilateral relations. More than 150,000 Dutch people emigrated to Canada between 1947 and 1970 and migration still contributes to the close ties between Canada and the Netherlands. There are currently more than a million people of Dutch origin living in Canada. The consular teams at our missions are always ready to provide many services services for the Dutch who made Canada their home.