Burke drives new opportunities for Irish firms on Canada trade mission
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Minister Burke addressing a meeting in Canada, along with Jenny Melia, Enterprise Ireland CEO, and Declan Hughes, Secretary General in the Department of Enterprise.Image 2 of 6
Minister Burke at a tech reception for Canadian, Irish business.Image 3 of 6
Minister Burke with Fiona Fitzmaurice, who runs Longford Consulting in Toronto, and previously worked for Stephens Cooke in Mullingar.Image 4 of 6
inister Burke addressing business leaders in Canada.Image 5 of 6
Minister Burke with Andrew Connolly, Wrksense co-founder, and former managing director of Morgan McKinley, Canada, and Michael Denis from Enterprise Ireland.Image 6 of 6
Minister Burke and Claire Fagan from Mullingar, who moved to Canada 15 years ago.Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, TD, led a trade mission to Toronto and Ottawa last week aimed at driving new opportunities for Irish companies and strengthening economic ties between Ireland and Canada.
The minister was accompanied by 31 Irish companies and took part in 16 meetings, eight events, and three media interviews during the four-day programme.
The visit highlighted the scale of Irish business in Canada and the of Canadian investment in Ireland. The 63 Canadian companies operating here employ more than 22,000 people.
Minister Burke said the mission came at a crucial time for Irish Canadian trade, which has grown substantially since the CETA agreement came into force in 2017. “Since 2016, Canadian FDI in Ireland has increased by 131%, and Irish exporters have increased their trade by 60%.
“We also have a strong foreign direct investment relationship, and around 20,000 jobs in Ireland depend on Canadian companies.
“This mission was about deepening those ties and opening new doors for Irish businesses. I’m really looking forward to the opportunities ahead.”
The minister’s schedule included engagements with major Canadian firms, Irish exporters, technology investors, and leaders in business community.
A highlight of the visit was meeting two people with strong Westmeath and Longford connections who are “flying the flag” for the midlands in Canada.
Minister Burke met Fiona Fitzmaurice, originally from Longford, who runs Longford Consulting in Toronto and previously worked with Stephens Cooke. He also met Claire Fagan from Mullingar, who moved to Canada 15 years ago and has built a successful career there as a lawyer.
“It was wonderful to meet Fiona and Claire, two local women doing Ireland proud abroad,” he said.
“Their success shows the reach and resilience of Irish talent, and the contribution our people make across the world.
“Overall, it was a packed programme, but the energy and ambition on both sides was clear. Ireland and Canada have a shared outlook and a shared opportunity, and the best is yet to come.”