Just call him Peter, of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
NDP MP Peter Stoffer has been knighted by the Netherlands in recognition of his "outstanding service to society," according to a party news release. The honour was bestowed by Dutch monarch King Willem-Alexander on Wednesday.
In doing so, Stoffer becomes a Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau, an honour that can be handed out to Dutch citizens and nationals living elsewhere.
Born in Heerlen, Limburg, Netherlands in 1956, Stoffer moved to Canada with his family later that year.
He was first elected to the House of Commons in 1997 and has since been re-elected five times. He represents the Nova Scotia riding of Sackville—Eastern Shore.
“This is an incredible honour given to a noble and humble man,” NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair said in the release. “Peter is really proud of his Dutch roots. He is a respected parliamentarian who has committed his life to defending veterans and their families.”
Stoffer has spent his time in public life advocating for vets and promoting both Dutch and Canadian culture. He currently serves as his party's critic for veterans affairs.
In 2011, he introduced Bill C-613, an act to establish "Maple Leaf and Tulip Day," which would recognize the relationship between Canada and the Netherlands, and the contributions the former made to the latter's liberation during WWII.
Stoffer's honour comes as Canada marks the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, which was declared on May 8, 1945, three days after German troops surrendered in northwest Europe.
The honour does not come with a new title, but Stoffer already has one. His parliamentary profile lists his profession as a "country gentleman," which he told The Canadian Press in 2011 was intended to encompass a number of different jobs he's held in his life.
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