Launching Ireland's Diaspora Strategy
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, visited Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto for a series of engagements with Canadian political counterparts, business leaders and diaspora leadership. The Minister also launched Ireland’s International Sports Diplomacy Strategy and Diaspora Strategy in Canada.
Montreal Sports Diplomacy Launch
Minister Richmond began his Canadian tour in Montreal where he met with Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Kody Blois followed by a visit to the Montreal Irish Monument Site with Montreal Irish Monument Park Foundation President, Fergus Keyes.
The Montreal portion continued with the official Canadian launch of Ireland’s International Sports Diplomacy Strategy hosted at the Canadian Olympic Committee Offices.
Panel Discussion
The Minister also met with the Ireland-Canada Chamber of Commerce in Montréal and Quebec Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Bernard Drainville ahead of joining a panel discussion on "Strengthening Quebec’s industry through transatlantic collaborations”.
Ireland-Canada Chamber of Commerce in Montréal
The Minister also met with the Ireland-Canada Chamber of Commerce in Montréal and Quebec Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Bernard Drainville ahead of joining a panel discussion on "Strengthening Quebec’s industry through transatlantic collaborations”.
Listen to the Minister’s interview with Elias Makos on CJAD 80
Ottawa Visit
The Minister’s visit to Ottawa began on Parliament Hill where he met James Maloney MP, President of the Canada-Ireland Interparlimentary Group followed by a bilateral meeting with Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai.
Official Launch of the Diaspora Strategy
Minister Richmond also launched Ireland’s Diaspora Strategy in front of diaspora leadership including members of the Ottawa Irish Seniors Group, Ottawa Gaels, the James Joyce Society, Ottawa Rose of Trallee, to meet with the Minister and hi delegation and to celebrate the incredible contributions of Irish diaspora in Canada.
Media Appearances
The Ottawa portion of the trip concluded with a series of interviews with Politico, Irish Radio Canada, and CTV.
The Minister concluded his Canada visit with a tour of the new Corleck Building on Toronto’s waterfront.
You may also be interested in these articles
16 April 2026
Bord Bia Canada Market Visit
On the 14th and 15th of April, a Bord Bia delegation, accompanied by Ambassador John Concannon, travelled to Canada for an depth market visit, consisting of meetings with key clients and important product announcements.
Read more
12 March 2026
St. Patrick's Day Reception 2026 with Prime Minister Mark Carney
On Wednesday 11 March at the Official Irish Residence, the Embassy of Ireland held an official reception to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Joined by the Minister for Social Protection, and Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, TD, Ambassador John Concannon and Mary Concannon hosted a range of guests from the Guest of Honour, The Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada as well as Canadian Government Ministers, Officials, Ambassadors, prominent Irish community leaders, and friends of the Embassy.
Read more
10 March 2026
Ottawa, Quebec and Atlantic Canada Irish Events
List of Irish cultural and social events in Ottawa and the National Capital region, Quebec and Atlantic Canada
Read more
10 March 2026
Minister Dara Calleary St. Patrick's Day Visit to Canada
Ireland’s Minister for Social Protection, and Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, TD, visited Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto as part of the official St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Canada for 2026.
Read more