Canada, Ireland strengthen partnership as global uncertainty grows

Canada and Ireland are moving to deepen their relationship after Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Dublin.

The two leaders met on Sunday, with discussions focused on trade and strengthening economic resilience as global uncertainty continues to grow.

Carney said bilateral trade has increased nearly 150 per cent over the past decade, with Ireland a key partner in investment, agriculture, clean growth and economic security.

“In Canada, we believe that this moment of rupture can only be answered by positive, purposeful action,” Carney said. “By building what comes next. So, we look first to our closest allies.”

Efforts will centre on expanding trade, investment and economic stability, building on business ties that support tens of thousands of jobs in both countries.

Carney said the partnership is evolving in response to global instability.

“Canada and Ireland face a rapidly changing world,” he said. “One which, unfortunately, is more dangerous and divided — a world that must feel as uncertain as the future must have to my grandparents when they immigrated.”

He also announced up to $2 million in support for ‘Canada-Ireland 180’, a 2027 cultural initiative marking 180 years since more than 100,000 Irish people migrated to Canada. The program will highlight shared heritage, support Irish-Canadian artists and expand cultural exchange.

Carney said the initiative will celebrate the shared heritage between Canada and Ireland, empower Irish-Canadian artists, and deepen cultural exchanges between our two countries.

Beyond economic cooperation, both countries are planning deeper collaboration in health, clean energy, and artificial intelligence. They also reaffirmed shared commitments on global security, climate action, and continued support for Ukraine.