VANCOUVER - For the first time in history, a sitting President of Poland has made an official visit to Vancouver. President Andrzej Duda and First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda spent the day engaging with the local Polish-Canadian community, honoring key historical figures, and celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Canadian Polish Congress.

The First Lady began the day with a special visit to St. Casimir’s Polish School, where she spent time with schoolchildren, engaging in discussions about Polish heritage, education, and the importance of maintaining the Polish language abroad. The students eagerly welcomed her, sharing their experiences and demonstrating their language skills.

Meanwhile, President Duda visited Schara Tzedeck Cemetery, where he paid his respects at the grave of Jakub Chaim Kaliski, a co-founder of the Canadian Polish Congress BC chapter and a key figure in British Columbia’s Polonia. While there, he also honored the memory of Holocaust victims, reaffirming Poland’s commitment to historical remembrance and the fight against antisemitism.

A Grand Celebration of Polish Heritage in Vancouver

The President and First Lady later reunited at St. Casimir’s School Gymnasium, where they joined a packed hall of Polonia members, local dignitaries, and special guests for a ceremonial event marking the 80th anniversary of the Canadian Polish Congress. The celebration was hosted by Karolina Francis and featured a range of cultural performances, including a vocal performance by Monika Sowiński with piano by Miri Lee, as well as traditional Polish dances by the Polonez Dance Group and a performance by students from St. Casimir’s Polish School.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Poland’s Ambassador to Canada, Witold Dzielski, Consul General Aleksandra Kucy, top officials from the President’s office, and leaders from the Canadian Polish Congress.

Recognition of Key Organizations

During the event, Janusz Tomczak, President of the Canadian Polish Congress, and Michael Dembek, President of the BC branch, delivered speeches highlighting the contributions of Vancouver’s Polish-Canadian community and the importance of preserving Polish culture abroad.

As part of the celebration, three key Polish-Canadian organizations were officially recognized for their contributions to Polonia in British Columbia:

• Canadian Polish Congress BC Chapter
• St. Casimir’s Parish
• Polish Combatants Association Branch 3
• Polish Canadian Women's Federation Branch 4
• Belweder North Shore Polish Association
• White Eagle Polish Association
• Kelowna Polish Cultural Society
• Polonez Dance Group
• Tri-City Polonez
• Polish Veterans Association in BC
• Kopernik Foundation

A Historic Milestone for Polonia

President Duda emphasized the vital role of the Polish-Canadian community in preserving Polish heritage, strengthening ties between Poland and Canada, and passing traditions on to future generations. He acknowledged the dedication and hard work of Polonia in British Columbia, recognizing their efforts in keeping Polish culture alive abroad.

The visit to Vancouver was part of President Duda’s broader official trip to British Columbia, but his engagement with local Polonia was a particularly meaningful moment for the community. It marked a historic milestone, reinforcing the strong ties between Poland and Canada and celebrating the remarkable achievements of Polish Canadians over the past 80 years.

For Vancouver’s Polish community, the visit was not just an honor but a significant recognition of their contributions to both Canada and Poland—one that will be remembered for years to come.

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