The Speaker of the Senate of Canada, George J. Furey, was received today by the Lieutenant of the Grand Master, Fra’ John Dunlap at the Magistral Palace. The Speaker was welcomed with military honors after paying a visit to the Magistral Villa.

This year marks 15 years of official relations between the Sovereign Order of Malta and Canada which were established in 2008. A postal agreement between Canada and the Order had been signed in 1992.

“I am most pleased to highlight the longstanding bonds of friendship and mutual understanding which exist between the Order of Malta and Canada. Throughout these years there have been a number of high-level meetings and visits during which themes of common interest have been covered. For instance, defence of religious expression, faith and worship which we had the opportunity to discuss with the Canadian Ambassador for Religious Freedom, or international development which we addressed with Members of the Canadian Parliament” said Fra’ John Dunlap during the meeting. ‘I am confident that our common values will develop into broader humanitarian cooperation in the near future and confident that official relations between Canada and the Order of Malta will also be strengthened’ he concluded.

The Canadian Association of the Order of Malta – founded in 1952 – is active in several charitable activities for people with disabilities, mental health issues, drug addiction, and help homeless and prisoners. In addition, the Association supports many projects run by Malteser International and participates in fundraising campaigns.