- Canada-Ireland relations
Canada-Ireland relations are those between
Canada and Ireland. The importance of these relations centres on the history of Irish migration to Canada. Almost 3.9 million Canadians, or 13% of the population, claim some Irish ancestry.Diplomatic history
Before 1922 Ireland was legally considered part of
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and therefore had no international relations separate from British ones. From 1922 to 1937 theIrish Free State was aDominion , like Canada, under the British crown but self-governing. Canada sent her first High Commissioner to Ireland,John Hall Kelly , in 1929. This at a time when Britain did not allow Canada to have embassies in most states and Britain's representative in Ireland was not allowed to use the title of ambassador.In 1937 Ireland changed its constitution to give itself more complete independence from the United Kingdom, however there was still some ambiguity over the role of
the Crown in Irish law.In 1948 the
Taoiseach (prime minister) of Ireland,John A. Costello , was visiting Canada when he announced that Ireland would declare itself a republic. The reason why he chose to make the announcement in Canada is a subject of debate. It may have been that Costello was offended by the behaviour of theGovernor General of Canada ,Harold Alexander, 1st Earl Alexander of Tunis , who was ofNorthern Irish descent and who allegedly placed symbols ofNorthern Ireland , notably a replica of the famousRoaring Meg cannon used in theSiege of Derry , before an affronted Costello at astate dinner . What is certain is that the prior arrangement whereby toasts to the king (symbolising Canada) and the president (representing Ireland) were to be proposed, was broken. Only a toast to the king was proposed, to the fury of the Irish delegation. Shortly afterwards Costello announced the plan to declare the republic. Other explanations for the announcement being made at this time have been offered, including the idea that the change was already planned and an Irish newspaper was about to "break" the story. Whatever the reason theRepublic of Ireland Act 1948 soon passed with support from all parties.In recent times Canada has been an active supporter of the
Northern Ireland peace process as symbolised by former Canadian Chief of the Defence StaffJohn de Chastelain heading of theIndependent International Commission on Decommissioning .Migration
Roughly 14% of Canadian citizens claim Irish decent which has helped foster a strong relationship based on close cultural affinity, support and cooperation within shared organizations.
Trade
Ireland is the 5th largest recipient of Canadian direct investments, with direct investment stocks reaching
C$ 7.4 billion in 2001.See also
*
Embassy of Ireland in Ottawa
*Embassy of Canada in Dublin
*List of Irish ambassadors to Canada
*List of Canadian ambassadors to the Republic of Ireland External links
* [http://www.ats.agr.gc.ca/europe/4016_e.htm Agriculture and Agrifood Canada's report on Ireland]
* [http://geo.international.gc.ca/cip-pic/geo/ireland-bb-en.aspx Foreign Affairs Canada report on Canada-Ireland relations]
* [http://historical-debates.oireachtas.ie/D/0456/D.0456.199510100004.html Dáil Éireann - Volume 456 - 10 October, 1995. Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Official Visit to Canada.]
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