CANADA BULGARIA INTER-PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDSHIP GROUP (CBIFG) ELECTS NEW EXECUTIVE FOR THE 45TH PARLIAMENT
16 December 2025 News
The Canada-Bulgaria Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group (CBIFG) held its Annual General Meeting on December 9, 2025, on Parliament Hill to elect its Executive Committee for the 2025-2026 year.
Parliamentarians in attendance enjoyed a delicious breakfast hosted by The Embassy of Bulgaria. His Excellency Plamen Georgiev, Ambassador of Bulgaria, delivered remarks where he underscored the strength and importance of the bilateral relationship between Canada and Bulgaria.
The CBIFG, established in 2017, serves to strengthen the long-standing friendship between Canadian and Bulgarian parliamentarians to promote dialogue on issues of mutual interest. The newly elected Executive looks forward to a productive year of engagement with its Bulgarian counterparts, diplomatic representatives, and the broader Bulgarian Canadian community.
2026 will be a milestone year of celebration as we mark the historic 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Bulgaria.
2025-2026 Executive and Directors of CBIFG:
Co-Chairs:
- Senator Yonah Martin (Senate)
- Member of Parliament (MP) Giovanna Mingarelli (House of Commons)
Vice-Chairs:
- Senator Katherine Hay (Senate)
- MP Laila Goodridge (House of Commons)
Directors:
- MP Ziad Aboultaif
- Senator Salma Ataullahjan
- MP Ernie Klassen
- MP Michael Kram
- Senator Fabien Manning
- Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia
- Senator David Wells
“I am honoured to once again serve as Co-Chair of the Senate. As we look ahead to 2026 and the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic ties, there is a strong sense of momentum and purpose in our efforts to further deepen this important partnership between Canada and Bulgaria.” - Senator Yonah Martin
“I am honoured to be elected as the new House of Commons Co-Chair. As Canada and our partners continue to strengthen our shared vision and collaboration with Bulgaria, I look forward to working closely with my colleagues to advance this important relationship. Together, we will build on the momentum already underway and help pave the way for a productive and inspiring year ahead.” — Giovanna Mingarelli, Member of Parliament
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