Your Voice on the Council of the Swiss Abroad
Thomas Arn is committed to championing the interests of the Swiss community in Canada. Join his campaign and make your voice heard.
Why Representation Matters
Swiss citizens abroad face unique challenges in maintaining a connection to their heritage, building community, and accessing resources. Without strong representation on the Council of the Swiss Abroad, these voices may go unheard.
Lack of Visibility: The Swiss community abroad needs a representative who actively brings their issues to light.
Missed Opportunities: Families, Entrepreneurs, Students, and Professionals could lose out on valuable connections and support.
Business, Science and Cultural Exchange: Strengthening Swiss-Canadian ties to create more opportunities for Swiss companies, and scientific and cultural initiatives in Canada.
Supporting Future Generations: Engaging younger Swiss citizens in Canada, fostering a sense of identity and connection to their heritage.
What Thomas Brings to the Council of the Swiss Abroad
A Proven Advocate for the Swiss Community
Thomas has held prominent positions, including as President of the Swiss-Canadian Chamber of Commerce and member of the Council of the Swiss Abroad. His experience ensures a strong, knowledgeable voice for the Swiss abroad.
Supporting Swiss Innovation and Entrepreneurship
As CEO of SBO Distributors Ltd., Thomas has supported numerous Swiss businesses across Canada, helping bridge Swiss and Canadian markets. He knows the value of creating opportunities for Swiss entrepreneurs abroad.
Promoting Cultural Connections
Thomas is committed to preserving and promoting Swiss culture in Canada, ensuring that Swiss heritage remains a vital part of our community.
About Thomas
Being a Swiss citizen abroad himself, Thomas understands the joys and challenges of balancing a strong national identity with a life in Canada. He knows what it means to want to stay connected and to make an impact from afar.
With over 25 years of experience bridging Swiss and Canadian cultures through business and community leadership, Thomas is a trusted voice for Swiss citizens abroad. He is currently President of the Swiss-Canadian Chamber of Commerce and a current delegate on the Council of the Swiss Abroad.
Thomas, his wife Diana, and their daughter Sierra, a trilingual Swiss-Canadian, proudly maintain their Swiss traditions. Thomas’s goal is to involve the next generation of Swiss Canadians, keeping them engaged culturally and politically.
Volunteer work for the Swiss Community in Canada
President of the Swiss-Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Vancouver, BC (since 2023)
Advisory Board of the Swiss Edelweiss Village Foundation in Golden, BC (since 2022)
Elected Delegate representing Western Canada (2021-2025)
Endorsments
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Sonja Gosteli, President Swiss Cultural Society of Calgary
Thomas Arn has provided great support to us Swiss Abroad. He is ever present in ensuring that we are well connected and fully informed on the multitude of Swiss campaigns reflective of our interests from abroad. I am in full support of Thomas Arn being once again considered for re-election for the Council of the Swiss Abroad in the spring of 2025.
Note: Our sincere condolences to Sonja's family, as we learned of her recent passing. -
Vince Sciamanna, President, Garaventa Lift
I am pleased to support Thomas in his candidacy for re-election to the Council of the Swiss Abroad. Thomas has consistently demonstrated outstanding dedication to representing the interests of Swiss citizens abroad. One of Thomas’s key contributions has been his efforts to share important Swiss news with the Swiss community, particularly around elections and referendums. His commitment to keeping us informed and engaged has been invaluable and highlights his passion for fostering a strong connection between Switzerland and Canada. I have had the privilege of working closely with Thomas through the Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce as well as through the Swiss Edelweiss Village Foundation and have witnessed his dedication firsthand. I strongly endorse Thomas and encourage others to support him as well. -
Fabia Ayoubi, Vice President of Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce
I have known Thomas for over five years, and have had the pleasure to work with him at the Swiss Chamber of Commerce, as well as at their long-standing private business in Vancouver. For the past year, we have worked together in the executive committee at the Swiss Chamber with Thomas executing the role of president and myself as Vice President. Thomas is a pleasure to work with and a dedicated, smart and professional leader who has demonstrated strong strategic thinking on many occasions. Thomas Arn was born and raised in Switzerland and his passion for representing the Swiss community abroad is clear for all to see. He continually shows his interest in politics, the economy, culture, and social issues through the work he has accomplished in his duties and engagements with the Swiss communities here and abroad. Thomas Arn continues to be an excellent choice for a role in Council for the Swiss Abroad and I would recommend him for the role again.
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lona Spaar, PhD, Historian & Author, Co-Founder Swiss Edelweiss Village Foundation
Thomas genuinely cares about the well-being of the Swiss abroad, as demonstrated during his first term as Delegate for the Organization of the Swiss Abroad. His deep connections within both the Canadian and Swiss communities, forged through his business ventures and his role as President of the Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce for Western Canada, reflect his dedication to fostering cross-cultural ties. With his natural openness, sincere interest in others, and a strong network, Thomas is uniquely positioned to be the ideal representative for the Swiss abroad community.
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Helen Freiermuth, OSA Delegate, Turkey
Thomas Arn is a valuable member of OSA. He is aware of the challenges faced by the Swiss abroad and strives to find ways to make their lives easier. During his first term as a delegate, he developed a good understanding of how politics work and how best to get involved. I strongly recommend Thomas for re-election and trust that he will continue his efforts for the benefit of the Swiss living in Canada.
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Thomas Schneider, General Consul of Switzerland in Vancouver
Thomas currently serves as President of the Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce (Western Canada) and has been a dedicated board member for many years. His extensive experience in community involvement and his deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of Swiss expatriates make him an ideal candidate for this role. He has been a delegate of the CSA since 2021, ensuring that the voices of Swiss citizens abroad are heard and respected. I am confident that Thomas will continue to bring valuable insights, unwavering commitment and a passionate voice to the Council of the Swiss Abroad. His election would undoubtedly benefit the Swiss community in Western Canada and contribute positively to the broader goals of the Council.
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Georg Josi, PhD, Partner, Structural Engineering
Through our collaboration on the Board of Directors of the Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce, I’ve gotten to know and appreciate Thomas. His broad and strategic thinking helps any organization and business expand and strive for new heights. For the last 4 years, Thomas has represented our interests at the OSA with thoroughness, tenacity and passion. I don’t think we could ever find a better and more qualified delegate and I sincerely hope that Thomas will be our voice at the OSA for another four years.
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Donato Cermusoni, Entrepreneur in the fields of marketing and communication, Biel-Bienne Switzerland
I've known Thomas for over 40 years. He is proactive, committed, humorous and he runs a successful company together with his wife Diana. We have always been in contact over the years and he is a loyal friend.
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Dr. Johann Roduit, Co-president of the Swiss Edelweiss Village Foundation, Delgate CSA 2022-2025
Thomas’s dedication to the Swiss community is unmatched. His work brings real opportunities and a sense of belonging to Swiss citizens in Canada.
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Hans Vögeli, Edmonton Swiss Men's Choir
Thomas Arn has been a Delegate for the Swiss Abroad Organization (OSA) for the past 4 years. I strongly support Thomas to remain as a Delegate for another 4 year period. Thomas is organized, dedicated and connects well with the Swiss Community at large. He forwards OSA information diligently to the people concerned and is always prepared to answer questions and assist people with their concerns. Thomas has good relations with the Swiss Consulate General in Vancouver and the Honorary Swiss Consul in Calgary. It also is most beneficial that Thomas travels to Switzerland several times a year not only to attend OSA Meetings and Conferences but also being in touch with current matters in Switzerland.
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Andreas Rickenbacher, former Member of the Government of the Canton of Berne,(alt Regierungsrat) Entrepreneur and Non-Executive Board Member
As an entrepreneur, Thomas has been supporting the Swiss community in Canada for many years. I hope that he can continue this important work in the Council of the Swiss Abroad
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Nina Bader, Manager, Water, at Foresight and Vice-President of the Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Thomas Arn is an active member of the Swiss community in Vancouver and the Chamber of Commerce. His leadership and drive make many initiatives and projects possible, and it's a pleasure working with him. Therefore, I support Thomas' candidacy for the Council of the Swiss Abroad because , through his connection to the Swiss community, he knows our concerns and challenges and can represent them accordingly.
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Norbert Inauen
I have known Thomas for over 40 years, not only as a professional and entrepreneur but also as a dear and long-standing friend. During my time as a former board member and president of the board, I had the privilege of witnessing his remarkable growth and success in both business and life. As a proud Swiss citizen living abroad, Thomas has explored the world extensively while maintaining a deep connection to his roots. His passion for bridging global perspectives with a Swiss sensibility has always stood out. It is always a joy to meet him, share ideas, and connect over the unique blend of worldly insights and Swiss tradition. Wishing him all the best on this continued journey.
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Res Rüdisühli, Msc of Health, Zürich
For 40 years, I have followed Thomas' career with great interest: his emigration to Canada, his professional career as an importer from Europe to North America and his always very keen interest in Swiss politics, in Europe and around the world. His knowledge of Switzerland's relations with all the countries of the world has made him an economic expert. As a delegate of the Swiss abroad, he brings with him all the prerequisites for great added value.
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Fabian Lemann, President Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce, BC/AB May 2020 to June 2024 Quality Coffee Systems, Director Sales & Marketing, January 2015 to July 2024
Thomas Arn was previously a Director of the board of the Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce and took over as president in June 2024. Having worked closely with Thomas, I can confidently attest to his unwavering commitment and tireless dedication to representing the interests of Swiss citizens living abroad. Thomas possesses excellent communication skills and represents the Chamber with professionalism and enthusiasm at various events and meetings. I firmly believe that he is the right person to continue contributing to the Council of the Swiss Abroad, bringing his wealth of experience, innovative ideas, and passion to our community.
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Walter Denz (lic.rer.publ. HSG). Master's degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), graduated as Master of Science (M.Sc.), Master's degree at the University of Zurich; Department of History, MAS in Applied History.
I wholeheartedly support Thomas Arn for re-election as a delegate for Canada on the Council of the Swiss Abroad. Thomas is not only a dynamic entrepreneur but also a dedicated advocate for the Swiss community abroad, with deep experience serving on different international boards. Having worked alongside him, I’ve seen his commitment to fostering connections, addressing the needs of Swiss citizens, and ensuring our voices are heard. His leadership, energy, and clear vision make him the right choice to represent us on this important platform. Let’s continue building a strong and engaged Swiss abroad community with Thomas at the helm!
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Elisabeth Eilinger, President, Swiss Club Saskatoon
I would be very pleased to endorse you in your campaign for re-election to the OSA. Thomas has consistently sent us information and kept us informed. Thank you, and I wish you all the best for the election.
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Dan Meier, Secretary, Swiss Canadian Mountain Range Association
I am writing to express my strong support for Thomas Arn in his candidacy for re-election to the Council of the Swiss Abroad in the spring of 2025. Having known Thomas for several years, I have witnessed firsthand his dedication to serving the interests of Swiss expatriates. His commitment to enhancing the connection between Switzerland and its citizens abroad is both admirable and impactful. I wholeheartedly endorse Thomas Arn for his re-election to the Council of the Swiss Abroad and am confident that he will continue to serve with the same passion and effectiveness that he has shown during his previous term.
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Peter Schälle, President of the Swiss Society of Vancouver
It is my pleasure to endorse Thomas Arn to be re-elected as a representative to the Council of the Swiss Abroad. Having had the privilege of knowing Thomas, I can confidently attest to his unwavering commitment to the Swiss Community Abroad and his exceptional qualities as a leader and advocate.
3 Easy Steps to Support Thomas’s Campaign
Stay Informed
Sign up for updates on Thomas’s campaign, his work with the CSA, and news relevant to Swiss citizens abroad.
Spread the Word
Share Thomas’s message within your community, whether in-person or on social media, to help raise awareness.
Vote
Be ready to cast your vote for Thomas during the CSA election and help ensure that our community’s interests are represented.