Dear readers of the Newsletter of the German Consulate General in Vancouver,

Usually, the first sentence of our January newsletter begins with best wishes for the New Year. This year, however, we are mourning the many young people who lost their lives, and the many more who were severely injured, in the horrific fire at a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. What was meant to be a joyful New Year’s celebration turned into a devastating inferno. Our thoughts and deepest compassion are with the families and friends of the victims of this terrible tragedy.

In his Christmas address, Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier emphasized a central idea as a guiding theme for 2026: courage. And courage is indeed what we will need to face the many challenges this year may bring — political uncertainties, ongoing wars and the threat of further violent conflicts, as well as economic insecurity affecting us all. In times like these, we need not only courage, but also institutions and people we can trust — sources of stability, orientation and guidance. Together, I am convinced, we will weather the challenges ahead.

This year, Canada and Germany celebrate a special anniversary. Seventy-five years ago, in November 1951, the two countries established diplomatic relations after the Second World War. Since then, our bilateral relations have developed steadily and are close and strong and based on shared values and principles and the rule of law. Germany is Canadas most important trading and economic partner in Europe, we are partners in NATO, G7 and G20 and are interconnected with countless personal, family, economic, scientific and political ties. Canada and Germany with its European partners and many more like-minded countries form a rock of stability in a turbulent world.

In 2026 as well, the German Consulate General in Vancouver will be there for you — whether you require consular assistance, support and services, or any other form of help. My colleagues and I will do our utmost to be a reliable link to Germany, even far from our homeland. We are here to serve you — to provide not only legal and technical assistance, but also to be a part of Germany you can always rely on. For my colleagues and me, this is both a pleasure and an honour.

In this spirit, I wish you, your families and all your loved ones a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Marc Eichhorn
Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Vancouver