Canada pledges cash to International Fund for Ireland
Canada yesterday pledged CAN$2m (€1.26m) to the International Fund for Ireland to support its campaign for reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the border counties.
The Ottawa Government made the pledge as part of its annual budget announcement in the Canadian Parliament. Fund Chairman Denis Rooney described the move as hugely significant.
"Canada’s support has been part of the bedrock of the Fund’s work over nearly two decades. The fact they are prepared to make a donation of this magnitude at such a sensitive time in Northern Ireland is a huge boost," said Mr Rooney said.
Canada has been a contributor to the Fund since 1987. Canada remains one of the Fund’s main supporters, along with the US and EU.
The Fund committed more than €36m in Northern Ireland and the border counties in 2004 to support projects which promote reconciliation and social and economic advance. Its total expenditure since 1986 is more than €750m.
