Minister Richmond begins two-day visit to Canada

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, has today embarked on a two-day visit to Toronto as part of his ongoing engagement with the global Irish community on the Government’s new Diaspora Strategy.

During the visit, the Minister will host a consultation with members of the Irish Diaspora in Toronto from the business, cultural, community care, education and sporting communities.

The Minister will also tour the Canada Ireland Foundation’s Corleck Cultural Centre, a multi-functional arts and cultural centre which will open next March, and Ireland Park, a memorial to those who emigrated to Canada during the Great Famine.

Speaking ahead of the visit, the Minister of State said:

“Building on our long standing historical ties, Canada is not only home to millions of people who claim Irish heritage but our community there is one of the fastest growing, vibrant and young diaspora communities globally.

“I am especially delighted to visit Toronto. The influence of the Irish diaspora can be seen and felt all over this great city, from the historic district of Corktown, to the Irish roots of the Toronto Maple Leafs, formerly the St Pats Hockey Club. I look forward to meeting our community representatives, hearing their ideas and discussing how we can support them to deliver the vision they have for their community in the years ahead.

“I am also pleased to announce this year’s Emigrant Support Programme funding for Canada where almost €480,000 (CAN$750,000) has been granted to 41 organisations. This funding will support services across Canada for our most vulnerable citizens, for new arrivals, as well as projects that will strengthen our business, sporting and cultural links cultural all across Canada from Newfoundland to Vancouver.”