August 2000 - Nr. 8
Greeting from the
Austrian Ambassador
THE AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR
Wendelin Ettmayer
On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Echo Germanica
Austria and Canada - where we met and where we go
As Austrian Ambassador to Canada I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Echo Germanica on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. For many people coming from Central Europe it was certainly of great help to find a bilingual newspaper in Canada which kept them in touch with the development back home and opened a new horizon at the same time.
A historic date is always a possibility to inquire about our past and to look into the future. In a more concrete way: where., during our history, have Austria and Canada met and what common approach do we have for the years ahead?
In quite an amazing way, historic events have shaped the destiny of both countries: during the Austrian War of Succession from 1740 to 1748 two major powers which were opposed during that struggle were also confronted on Canadian soil: England and France. The same peace agreement, signed at Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748 which gave the fortress of Louisville back to the French also settled the question of Austrian succession. In a very similar way, the Seven Years War from 1756 to 1763, which became so decisive for the development of Quebec after the battle at the Plains of Abraham was of equal importance for the power structure in Central Europe. In my opinion those dates show very clearly that already in the 18th Century the world was closer linked together than one might imagine.
Another very important link between Canada and Austria was established through the Austrian migration to Canada. At the end of the 19th Century, a massive Austrian migration took place with the result that already in 1921 more than 107.000 Canadians declared themselves to be of Austrian origin. The next great migration from Austria to Canada took place towards the end of the 50ies and the beginning of the 60ies of the 20th Century. During the difficult times after the Second World War many Austrians where happy to find a new home across the Atlantic. In 1961 106.000 Canadians were of Austrian origin, most of them in Ontario (34.500), but also in Manitoba (10.5001, Alberta (15.900), British- Columbia.(18.000), Saskatchewan (19.000) and Quebec (7.400). Those Austrians were hardworking people who, in their specific professions, made a very valuable contribution to the development of Canada.
As far as the present and the future is concerned, I am glad to say that there are many similarities between the Canadian and the Austrian foreign policy. Both countries concentrate on the well-being of the fellow citizens, on human security. For both of us the improvement of the quality of life in the world is more important than power politics. On many issues like human rights, development aid, land-mines or emancipation of women, both Foreign Ministries have worked closely together and will continue this co-operation in the future.
In this sense, I would like to congratulate the Echo Germanica again on its anniversary and hope, that it will also be a link between Austria and Canada in the years to come.
Wendelin Ettmayer
