Ireland Launches Major Trade Mission to Canada to Boost Economic Ties

Irish Delegation Arrives in Canada for Key Economic Talks

A high-level Irish trade mission, spearheaded by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke T.D., commenced a four-day visit to Toronto and Ottawa on November 17, 2025. The mission, a joint initiative by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, aims to deepen economic partnerships and boost trade relationships between Ireland and Canada. The delegation includes thirty Enterprise Ireland client companies, with a strong focus on the financial services, technology, and life sciences sectors.

Record Growth in Irish Exports to Canada

The trade mission arrives amidst a period of significant growth in bilateral trade. Irish exports to Canada reached a record €585 million (CAD 954 million) in 2024, marking a substantial 32% increase from 2021. Canada currently stands as the fourth largest market for Irish technology and services companies. Approximately 300 Enterprise Ireland client companies regularly export to Canada, with 55 Irish companies making their first entry into the Canadian market in 2024. Furthermore, Ireland-based multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating in Canada employ over 19,000 people, while firms owned by Irish MNEs employ 34,000 people.

Minister Burke emphasized the importance of the mission, stating, 'I am delighted to lead the Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland Trade Mission to Canada, where we will visit Toronto and Ottawa. Irish companies already make a significant impact to the Canadian economy, with exports reaching a record €585 million in 2024, Canada being the 4th largest market for Irish technology and services companies.'

Strategic Engagements and New Collaborations

The four-day itinerary includes a series of strategic meetings and events designed to foster new collaborations and strengthen existing ties. Key highlights of the mission include:

• Announcements of new partnerships and market entries by Irish companies CodeEast, Sheenco Travel, and HiTech Health.
• The official launch of the Enterprise Ireland Canada Advisory Tech Council by Minister Burke, aimed at accelerating growth for export-ready tech firms in the Canadian market.
• Discussions on Canadian market entry strategy with the tech council by Irish tech companies Brightbeam, Capisso, and Maya Data Privacy.
• A strategic meeting between Canadian telecoms network Rogers and Irish telecoms company Alpha Wireless.
• A cybersecurity roundtable featuring Irish firms Siren, Daon, and Waratek.
• A Canada-Ireland Tech Event held at the iconic CN Tower.
• A Women in Leadership Roundtable spotlighting Irish firms such as Workhuman, Osborne Recruitment, and PulseLearning.
• A Canada-Ireland Business Breakfast event in Toronto, co-sponsored by Tourism Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, and IDA Ireland, which showcased the recently released Canada-Ireland Economic Report.

The mission also underscores Ireland's anticipated full ratification of the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in 2026, which is expected to further deepen investment and expand procurement access between the two nations.

Deepening Bilateral Relations

Beyond trade, the mission also highlights the strong cultural and investment links between Ireland and Canada. Minister Burke noted the potential for increased inbound tourism, citing that over 4.4 million Canadians have Irish ancestry. Ireland is also recognized as the 10th largest investor in Canada. The engagements during this mission are set to reinforce Ireland's position as a source of world-class products and services, and as a leading destination for foreign direct investment.