Speech by Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the Reception at the Official Irish Residence - Ottawa, Canada, 25 September 2025

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Dea-tráthnóna daoibh go léir agus go raibh maith agaibh as an bhfáilte chroíúil a chuir sibh go Ceanada. Tá áthas orm a bheith anseo leat inniu. Go raibh maith agat as teacht.

Excellencies, elected representatives, members of the Irish community, distinguished guests, and friends — thank you for the warm welcome to Ottawa.

Canada has long been a beacon of hope for Irish people. In our darkest hour, in 1847, more than 100,000 Irish refugees arrived on these shores in desperate need.

They were met with compassion, generosity, and humanity by the people of Canada.

For that we thank you deeply.

Today, that bond is reflected in the almost five million Canadians who proudly claim Irish heritage - including, of course, Prime Minister Mark Carney, a proud Irish Canadian whose grandparents hail from Aughagower in County Mayo.

I was very pleased to have a very positive and constructive meeting with Prime Minister Carney this morning. We discussed our close historical, cultural, and economic ties.

I have invited him to Ireland, and I look forward to welcoming him on what will be an historic visit.

Later today, I will also meet with members of Parliament, at the invitation of the Speaker of the House of Parliament.

I want to acknowledge the Canada–Ireland Interparliamentary Group, and in particular its Chairman, James Maloney, whose efforts led to the designation of March as Irish Heritage Month in Canada

Ireland and Canada now enjoy an unprecedented level of trade and investment. This morning, I launched a new Economic Report, commissioned by Team Ireland in Canada, which highlights our growing opportunities.

Ireland is now the 10th largest investor in Canada.

Two-way trade has nearly doubled since the provisional implementation of CETA, which we intend to fully ratify over the coming months.

For Canada, it demonstrates that Ireland is an ideal gateway to the European market and is now the seventh largest destination for Canadian services worldwide.

To build on this momentum, I informed Prime Minister Carney today that I hope to return to Canada next year with a Trade Mission to deepen sectoral partnerships in priority areas and enhance investment flows.

Ireland will also host a Canada-Ireland Business Leaders’ Summit next year.

These initiatives will deliver concrete actions, deepen investment, and help deliver on the very significant economic potential between both of our countries.

While Irish immigrants have contributed greatly to Canada, Canadians too have made vital contributions to peace on the island of Ireland.

I want to pay particular tribute to General John de Chastelain, who is here with us this afternoon.

As Chair of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning, his calm integrity and principled leadership ensured the disarmament of paramilitary groups. General de Chastelain is a true embodiment of service and honour.

General, your service to peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland has made the impossible, possible.

In the last ten days alone, the British and Irish Governments have published a comprehensive Joint Framework, on dealing with the legacy of the Troubles, which has the potential to finally provide truth and accountability for the hundreds of victims and families that have been waiting for far too long.

This would not have been possible without your courage and your tenacity so many years ago.

It is therefore fitting that today I am announcing the De Chastelain Scholarship Programme, a joint Irish-Canadian Government initiative, with the Ireland Canada University Foundation.

Beginning next year, it will award 18 Visiting Professorships and 72 Research Scholarships over six years, equally divided between Irish and Canadian participants. In recognition of his legacy, the programme will help foster peace and reconciliation worldwide.

Today I had the honour of officially opening our new Embassy in Ottawa.

In recent years, as part of the ‘Global Ireland’ programme, we have tripled our diplomatic footprint in Canada - with new Consulates in Toronto and Vancouver, and additional Francophone and Cultural officers.

We are in the final stages of planning for a new flagship Ireland House in Toronto which will open in 2026.

It will house our Consulate, the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and be a gathering place for the Irish organisations and community in Toronto and beyond.

This strong Irish investment in Canada is a clear signal of the significance we place on our enormously important strategic relationship with Canada.

And it is not just the Government that is investing. The Canada Ireland Foundation’s plans for the new multipurpose Arts Centre in Toronto, “The Corleck”, are inspirational.

This project stands as a testament to the deep cultural and historical ties between Ireland and Toronto, and we look forward to the opening in 2026.

All across Canada, places like Ireland Park in Toronto, Grosse-Île in Quebec, and the Black Rock in Montreal - the biggest mass grave in Canada, where more than 6,000 Irish famine victims are buried - stand as solemn reminders of our shared past.

Earlier I spoke about the seminal importance of 1847 not just for Ireland, but for Canada

I am therefore delighted to announce a very significant landmark initiative Canada Ireland 180, which will mark 180 years since 1847, when more than 100,000 Irish refugees came to Canada to find hope for a better future. Their hardship, and the compassion, kindness, and humanity shown by Canadians, forged bonds that have shaped our nations ever since.

Canada Ireland 180 will be guided by three core themes: to Remember, to Reflect and to Reimagine.

Canada Ireland 180 will bring together artists, academics, musicians, historians, cultural institutions, policymakers, and communities across both our countries in a dynamic blend of flagship events, cultural initiatives, academic reflection, and community-led celebrations. In doing so, we will honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire a shared vision for the future.

It is clear to me that our greatest strength in Canada is our extended Irish family. Our diaspora links are among the strongest in the world - over 15% of Canadians identify as having Irish Heritage.

We are delighted to have so many wonderful Irish-Canadian organisations represented here today, and my message to you is that the Irish Government deeply appreciates your work, and we have your back and we will continue supporting you through our Emigrant Support Programme.

If I can single out one organisation because I know they are celebrating a considerable milestone this year. I was delighted to meet members of the Ottawa Gaels, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. Clubs like the Gaels provide an invaluable service to the Irish abroad. Thank you.

Today, the Ireland-Canada relationship is stronger, richer, and more relevant than ever, both economically and culturally.

Our two countries are bound not only by history, but by innovation.

Not only by emigration, but by exchange.

Not only by memory, but by momentum.

To everyone who has joined us here today - thank you. Thank you for your work, your vision, your energy, and your belief in the power of connection.

Merci beaucoup.

Go raibh mile míle maith agaibh go léir.

Thank you.

ENDS