NEWS RELEASES
CANADA CONTRIBUTESTO THE INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR IRELAND
November 23, 1999 (3:30 p.m. EST) No. 252
CANADA CONTRIBUTES
TO THE INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR IRELAND
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today remitted Canada's contribution of $333 000 to the International
Fund for Ireland (IFI), in support of international peacebuilding efforts in Ireland. This contribution constitutes
the first instalment of yearly contributions to total $1 million over three years, to which Canada committed on
June 10, 1999.
Minister Axworthy handed the cheque to IFI Chairman William McCarter, following a meeting which was also
attended by Ireland's Ambassador to Canada, Mr. Paul Dempsey, and Pat O'Brien, Member of Parliament for
London-Fanshawe and Chair of the Canada-Ireland Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group.
"The International Fund for Ireland has been in the vanguard of efforts to build safer communities and to
promote intercommunity links and dialogue, both within Ireland's borders and across them," said Mr. Axworthy.
"Canada is encouraged by recent positive statements made by the pro-peace parties, which show that trust
between them is growing. We hope they will continue down the courageous and promising path they have
embarked on by seizing the best opportunity they have right now for peace."
Established in 1986 by the British and Irish governments, the IFI promotes economic and social advances and
encourages contact, dialogue and reconciliation throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Fund focusses
on economic and social development, with an emphasis on local business initiatives and training.
Among the wide range of IFI projects are initiatives that provide opportunities for young people from
disadvantaged communities to take part in training and work programs aimed at future employment and
education. For example, the Fund's Wider Horizons program has enabled a number of disadvantaged youths to
upgrade their skills in Canada in order to find employment upon their return home. Activities also include urban
and rural development, tourism development and community-led initiatives.
Canada has already contributed more than $4 million to the IFI since it was established. The Fund is also
supported by Australia, New Zealand, the United States and the European Union.
Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 1999 federal budget and is therefore built into the
existing fiscal framework.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Debora Brown
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
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