On Friday February 21, Vaudreuil-Soulanges MP Peter Schiefke was officially named Commander of the Royal Order of Civil Merit, one of Spain's highest honours, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening ties between Canada and Spain. 

Created in 1926 by King Alfonso XIII, the Royal Order of Civil Merit is awarded by the King of Spain to individuals who have rendered outstanding services to their country, notably by fostering diplomatic and cultural ties. The rank of Commander is one of the Order's highest distinctions, reserved for those whose contributions have had a significant impact. 

The distinction was presented by His Excellency Alfredo Martínez Serrano, Spanish Ambassador to Canada, at a ceremony held at the official residence of the Spanish Embassy. The event was attended by former Canadian recipients of the honour, members of the diplomatic corps, the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Honourable Greg Fergus, as well as close friends and family. Among the distinguished guests was her 75-year-old great-aunt, the last surviving member of her family who left Spain for Canada in 1951, in search of freedom and opportunity.

"Seventy-three years ago, my great-grandparents made the difficult decision to leave Franco's dictatorial regime in Spain with their four daughters to build a new life in Canada. They boarded a ship in search of freedom and a better life.  Receiving this honor three generations later is the fulfillment of their dreams, and a real moment that brings us full circle," said Mr. Schiefke. "I am deeply honored and grateful. There are days we will always cherish in our lives, and this is definitely one of them for me," he indicated on social networks following this important moment. 

Mr. Schiefke remains committed to fostering strong relations between the two thriving democracies, and to ensuring that the shared values of freedom, cooperation and mutual prosperity continue to unite Canada and Spain.