28 March 2025
St Patrick’s Day 2025 in Canada
The Montreal parade – (from left): Hon James Maloney, Minister Timmy Dooley, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ambassador John Concannon, Mary Concannon.
Dr Deirdre Giblin, ICBA Chair and Director of Development & External Engagement at National College of Ireland, travelled to Ottawa and Toronto for St Patrick’s Day weekend. Deirdre was part of a Government-led mission alongside Minister Timmy Dooley, at the invitation of Ambassador John Concannon.
Deirdre represented the ICBA at a number of very special events, including the flag raising ceremony at Ottawa City Hall, a St Patrick’s Day event hosted by the Irish Embassy of Canada, a tour of the Canada Ireland Foundation’s Corleck Building & Éireann Quay, a business breakfast hosted by the Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce, and a very special performance of Riverdance, marking its 30th anniversary. Reflecting on her trip Deirdre said:
“Our strength is in our friends and Ireland & Canada’s friendship continues to thrive especially with Mark Carney as Prime Minister of Canada.There has never been a better time for Ireland & Canada to deepen & build on our current strong trading relationship.
Trips such as these and the Ireland Canada Business Association trade mission in May in partnership with Ireland Gateway To Europe build on the excellent work being done by our state agencies, politicians, diplomats, civil servants and our ICBA members. Well done to all & let’s grow this!”
Mark Carney’s appointment as Canadian Prime Minister dominated the headlines in Ireland, in part due to Carney’s Irish roots as well as the fascinating story of how he helped Ireland through the 2008 economic recession when he was Governor of the Bank of Canada.
The ICBA wrote about this story in 2018 and it was published in the Sunday Independent – you can read it here.
As the voice of the Ireland Canada Business community, the ICBA was invited to comment on Mark Carney’s appointment by several leading media outlets including the BBC, RTE, Newstalk Radio and Mid West Radio. You can listen back to our Chair, Dr Deirdre Giblin, on RTE’s News at One (above) and Newstalk’s Business Briefing (below).
Lunchtime Roundtable with Brian Hayes, hosted by Hanover Communications
At the recent round table briefing in the offices of Hanover Communications, Brian Hayes, Senior Advisor to Hanover Communications and CEO BPFI, gave an overview on:
- The current geopolitical landscape in Europe and North America
- Opportunities for CETA and EU partnership in the current climate
- Top priority issues for the EU right now
- Ireland and Canada –the watch-outs, opportunities and strengthening of their trade relationship.
Lorna Jennings CEO Hanover Communications with Deirdre Giblin, ICBA Chair
Brian Hayes, Senior Advisor to Hanover Communications and CEO BPFI,
with Alison LeClaire, Canadian Chargée d’Affaires in Ireland
Former P.E.I. Premier Dennis King has been appointed as Canada’s new ambassador to Ireland, succeeding Nancy Smyth. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said of Ambassador Designate King’s appointment:
“With his years of experience in public service, including as the Premier of Prince Edward Island, I am confident that he will serve Canada well and make the strong partnership between our two countries even stronger”
ICBA Member News
Equity Exploration have launched the Equity Ireland Award which is a great opportunity to start a career in mineral exploration. This award includes a €1,000 bursary and a 4 month contract in Canada.
For further information, please email: caoimhep@equityexploration.com
Mairead Fitzsimons (DEEC), Janice McGann (DFA), Sarah Gleeson (iCRAG) , Koen Verbruggen (GSI) and Aoife Brady (iCRAG )
Over 27,000 delegates attended the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention (PDAC), the world’s largest meeting of minerals industry professionals. Led by the Government of Ireland’s Department of Environment, Energy and Climate (DEEC), the Ireland Stand included Geoscience Ireland members, the Geological Survey Ireland, iCRAG, and for the first time, the Irish Minerals Fund backed by the Irish Strategic Investment Fund.
Ireland and Canada enjoy a long history in the development of Ireland’s mineral resources. Canadian investment in the sector has resulted in the development of 7 mines and of a supply chain of design, surveying and contracting which serves the industry internationally.
A warm welcome to new member, Anna Kuznetsova of womentravel.ie – a travel company for women who want to explore the world. With over 25 years of expertise in travel and events—and adventures across 60 countries—Anna curates seamless, enriching, and unforgettable experiences. Welcome to the ICBA, Anna!
ICBA Member, Byrne Wallace Shields LLP, one of Ireland’s largest full service law firms, has launched a specialist service to support Canadian companies in relation to setting up in Ireland (as a gateway for the EU), investing in Ireland, and dealing with labour and regulatory requirements.
BYRNE WALLACE SHIELDS CANADA TRADE DESK
5th June
ICBA Golf Classic, Castleknock Golf Club
3rd September
ICBA AGM & Reception – Dublin (venue to be confirmed)
13th September
Annual Terry Fox Run Ireland – Herbert Park, Dublin 4
23rd October
Maple Leaf Dinner 2025 – Intercontinental Hotel, Dublin 4
email: events@irelandcanada.com
Further information on the above and future events can be found on our website – irelandcanada.com
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If you are interested in joining the ICBA please email events@irelandcanada.com