Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke is leading a four-day trade mission to Toronto and Ottawa this week, as the Government aims to deepen commercial ties with Canada ahead of Ireland’s expected ratification of CETA in 2026.
The visit, organised jointly by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, brings 30 Irish companies to Canada, with a focus on financial services, life sciences and technology.
Officials say the mission is designed to boost market access for Irish exporters while positioning Ireland as a base for Canadian firms expanding into Europe.
Enterprise Ireland earlier this year reported a record €585m in exports to Canada for 2024, a 32% increase over three years.
Approximately 300 EI-backed firms now sell into the market, while 55 companies made their first entry in 2024 across sectors including digital tech, fintech, industrial technologies, high-tech construction, agritech and education.
Opening the mission in Toronto, Minister Burke said: “In line with our recently published Market Diversification Strategy 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 €585m in 2024, Canada being the 4th largest market for Irish technology and services companies.
“I look forward to promoting Ireland as both a source of world-class products and services and as a world-leading destination for FDI on my visit.”
He added that Ireland’s nearly $14bn contribution to FDI in Canada reflects “the depth of the economic ties between both countries”.
Canada has also become a steadily growing source of investment for Ireland, with IDA Ireland noting increasing interest from Canadian firms in tech, engineering and financial services.
The trade mission includes meetings with senior executives from major Canadian companies.
Key events on the schedule include a cybersecurity roundtable, a Canada-Ireland tech showcase at the CN Tower and a Women in Leadership forum featuring Workhuman, Osborne Recruitment and PulseLearning.
Burke will also launch the new Enterprise Ireland Ireland-Canada Advisory Tech Council to support Irish tech exporters.
Several Irish companies are using the mission to announce Canadian expansion plans, including HiTech Health’s new Montreal office, Sheenco Travel’s market entry, Fenergo’s launch of its Agentic AI Suite in Canada and CodeEast’s partnership with insurance wholesaler ABEX.
Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke is leading the four-day trade mission. (Pic: Fran Veale)
Enterprise Ireland CEO Jenny Melia said: “This weeks Trade Mission to Canada reaffirms Enterprise Ireland’s commitment to strengthening bilateral trade, promoting world-class innovation, and supporting the continued diversification of Irish companies in one of the world’s most dynamic and growing markets.”
IDA Ireland executive director Mary Buckley added: “We welcome this opportunity to meet with our Canadian clients in market, and to share the strong message that Ireland is an excellent location for companies to expand their global footprint to serve their customer base in Europe.”