The Netherlands will elect a new House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) on Wednesday 29 October 2025. Living in Canada doesn't stand in the way of your right to vote as a Dutch citizen as you can vote abroad by letter, by proxy or with a Voter's Pass. But there are regulations in place to do so. Amongst others you'd have to register as a Form "Kiezer buiten Nederland". Also the registration process takes up some time so registration in time is advised. 

This website Stemmen vanuit het Buitenland / Voting from Abroad provides practical information about how voters outside the Netherlands can vote and which dates are important. With special thanks and appreciation to De Nederlandse Vereniging  (Dutch Association) for them providing the information and giving simple and clear insights for Dutch people living outside of the Netherlands.

In May 2025, thousands of international entrepreneurs, investors, media outlets, and leaders will gather at the Vancouver Convention Centre for our newest event: Web Summit Vancouver.

What is Web Summit Vancouver?

The Guardian called it “Glastonbury for geeks”, the Atlantic “where the future goes to be born”, and Inc. “the best technology conference on the planet”.

This year, we’re excited to welcome the world’s tech community to the first Web Summit in North America. Vancouver is ready! Are you?! 

Your friends from Holland House Canada can offer you a 20% discount on your pass, press here! 

https://vancouver.websummit.com/

May is Dutch Heritage Month in Ontario! Here is what we do to celebrate it! 

This Dutch Heritage Month is extra significant in 2025, because of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. To celebrate these 80 years of freedom and to express our gratitude for the key role Canadians played in the liberation, the Consulate General of the Netherlands is (co) organizing several events in the coming weeks. I hope to see you there!

Toronto Tulip Day – the not so little brother of the Tulip Festival in Ottawa!

What: Come and pick your own (free!) bouquet of Dutch tulips

Why: A Thank You to Toronto, Ontario and Canada for liberating us 80 years ago!

When: May 10th, 10:00am-5:00pm (or until tulips last)

Where: Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto - a sea of 40,000 tulips!  

 

80 years of Freedom: a Dutch Tribute to Canada exhibition

What: A blend of photo-sculpture, wartime testimonies, and public art installations

Why: This exhibition is not just a look back at history, it is a reflection on the values we continue to share: freedom, gratitude, and courage.

When: May 12-14 (Liberation Reception and Grand Opening on May 12th by invitation only). Holland House organizes a special program on May 14th, see detailed information here 80 Years of Freedom ~ An Event of Reflection and Gratitude

Where: Small Arms and Inspection Building, Mississauga

More information: www.80yearsoffreedom.com

 

Flag Raising Ceremony at Queen’s Park 

What: Raising of the Dutch Flag, with speakers from the legislative assembly, the Consul General, the Defense Attache of the Netherlands Embassy and WWII veterans. 

Why: An annual ceremony to mark Dutch Heritage Month in Ontario, this year with special attention for the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. 

When: May 15th, 12:15-12:55 PM 

Where: Legislative Building South Lawn, Toronto. The event is open to the public, but seating is limited. 

Orchestra of the Royal Netherlands Air Force: "It’s All About Freedom Concert"

What: The Orchestra of the Royal Netherlands Air Force will perform in Toronto as part of their "It's All About Freedom" tour across Canada

Why: Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Netherlands' liberation during the Second World War.

When: May 15th, 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Where: The Chrysalis Theatre, 43 Gerrard Street E, downtown Toronto 

 This concert is free of charge, but seats are limited. Registration link: https://lnkd.in/gHNxkJYp .

Special recognition goes out to former deputy premier of Ontario Elizabeth Witmer, who went out of her way to have her initiative for Dutch Heritage Month passed by the Ontario Legislative Assembly in 2011.

We hope to see you at any (or All) of the Events! 

80 Years of Freedom: A Dutch Tribute to Canada

The Netherlands is commemorating the 80th anniversary of its liberation from Nazi occupation with a special tribute to Canada. A new exhibition, "80 Years of Freedom," will showcase the profound gratitude of the Dutch for the Canadian soldiers who played a pivotal role in the liberation of the Netherlands during World War II.

This exhibition will be a poignant journey through history, featuring:

• Powerful photography: Capturing the struggle, resilience, and joy of liberation.
• Moving personal stories: Sharing the experiences of Dutch children and Canadian liberators.
• Unique sculptural installations: Serving as visual representations of freedom and remembrance.

The "80 Years of Freedom" initiative is more than just an exhibition; it's a testament to the enduring bond between the Netherlands and Canada. It's a chance to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire future generations with a message of hope and international cooperation.

Join Holland House Canada in supporting this important initiative!

Click HERE for more info and Donations

#80YearsOfFreedom #Netherlands #Canada #WWII #Liberation #Remembrance

The start of a New Year and the start of a new board for the CNBPA. First of all on behalf of the whole Board, we would like to wish everybody a healthy and prosperous 2023!    2022 has been a year of major shifts and transitions, not only on a global economic scale but also within the CNBPA Board. We bid farewell to our President, Sebastiaan Postma. For the last 8 years, he worked relentlessly with his Board members to keep the CNBPA going, and especially during a global pandemic this was no easy feat. We are really thankful for their time, effort and commitment.    During the last AGM the new incoming Board has been given the mandate to build out the membership base, execute new activities and attract new sponsors. After consulting various stakeholders from the Canadian-Dutch business community and ample discussions within the board it was unanimously decided that a transformation from CNBPA to Holland House Canada should be the way to achieve this goal. This new, more ‘catchy’, modern name for our organization shows our dedication to increasing our relevance within the Canadian-Dutch business ecosystem and radiates the energy and ambitions of the new Board. Our new Board consists of familiar faces but also many new ones. The team is excited and committed to execute the new strategy and direction of the CNBPA. Please have a look at the Board page on our website to get to know the new Board members!    We have had brainstorming sessions in 2022 with multiple stakeholders to develop an updated  strategy to ensure our organization is future proof and more impactful for our members.  For 2023 our goal is to deliver more networking opportunities and deepen the Dutch - Canadian business relations. To be able to execute this strategy we will need to engage with sponsors and our network in both Canada and the Netherlands and broaden the scope of our services. The newly formed committees have been busy behind the scenes to build an appealing new program for 2023 and the sponsorship committee is ready to start approaching new sponsors this month, so stay tuned for some exciting news!    As you can see, the newly created Holland House Canada is entering a new phase and we hope you will join us on this journey. If you are looking to join us, simply click HERE and have a look at our membership options.    We're looking forward to seeing you again in 2023!   The 2023 Board

On June 27 we, in partnership with FRAM+Slokker, hosted an insightful night with our members about the Canadian Real Estate Market. Paul Michel, Vice-President of Finance with FRAM Building Group, gaves us an overview of market-moving real-estate trends in Canada with he Mississauga based real estate development and construction company FRAM+Slokker is responsible for projects like "Nola", "Verde" and "The Shipyards". Since the late 80s, Slokker Bouwgroup, a Dutch Real-Estate developer and builder, has been active in the Canadian market in partnership with FRAM.

It was a very interesting night and we would like to thank our partner FRAM+Slokker and Paul Michel for hosting us in their office!

You can find some pictures of the event here.

The entire CNBPA Board and Members share in the pride of accomplishment and recognition recently bestowed by the Consul General of The Netherlands in the name of King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands upon Martin van Denzen, a long time CNBPA   Member,  and volunteer.

In recognition of Martin’s tireless involvement throughout the years on behalf of the Canadian Dutch community, Martin received the Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau at a recent farewell event held for the outgoing Consul General of The Netherlands, Anne van Leeuwen.This is a chivalric Order intended to recognize individuals who earned “special merits for society.”

For the past 60 years in Canada, Martin has been a leader in strengthening the political and social relationship between The Netherlands and Canada. His past and present achievements include: President of the Dutch Canadian Association, host of the “Dutch Touch” on radio, spearheading events intended to recognize the Canadian veterans involved in the Liberation of The Netherlands, and participating in Dutch Canadian social and charity events such as the Netherlands Bazaar charity and Sinterklaas. And, to our benefit, when carrying out these activities, Martin always favourably represents CNBPA at the same time.

We congratulate Martin on this well-deserved lifetime achievement honour and recognition.