On October 29th, 2014, the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Ottawa awarded Karel Velan the Commemorative Silver Medal of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic.

The main reason for this award is significant life-long and selfless support of Czech compatriots abroad and humanitarian projects in the Czech Republic and Canada, with which Karel Velan contributed to the spread of Czech Republic’s good reputation.

Throughout his life, Karel Velan supported Czech compatriots and Czech cultural associations in Canada both financially and professionally. After 1989, he integrated projects in the Czech Republic into his programs (for instance, along with his wife, he was involved with the foundation of the Committee of Good Will - Olga Havel Foundation). Despite his outstanding success abroad, Karel Velan has maintained a strong link to his original homeland and, even after 60 years abroad, he is fluent in Czech.

This medal is awarded annually by the chair of the Senate as a symbolic appreciation on the occasion of the Independent Czechoslovak State Day to significant figures in the world of science, culture, sports, and social life. The medal was awarded by the chargé d’affaires of the Czech Republic in Canada, Robert Tripes. The ceremony was attended, among others, by the honorary consul of the Czech Republic in Quebec, Hynek Žikovský and the President of the Czech and Slovak Association of Canada, Marie Fuchsová.