Canada getting ready to take part in 1916 centenary events

CANADA'S historical role in the fight for Irish freedom and its contribution to the most recent Peace Process was brought to the fore in a speaking tour there last week by Sinn Féin Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh that was hosted by Friends of Sinn Féin in Canada.

Highlighting the fact that the Fenian Brotherhood led a number of raids on British Army forts in Canada between 1866 and 1871, Trevor brought the story up to date by acknowledging to audiences in Vancouver and Calgary the “vital role in the Peace Process” played by people from Canada.

“Individuals such as General John De Chastelain, Justice Peter Corey, Justice William Hoyt and Professor Clifford Shearing were involved in different ways around the decommissioning process, the reorganisation of policing, and the Bloody Sunday Inquiry.

“Canadians have also put their hands very deeply into their pockets to support peace and reconciliation by contributing significantly to the €895million that has been donated to the International Fund for Ireland since 1986 which has funded over 5,800 projects across the island of Ireland.

“They will be playing their role over the next year in building a vision for a New Republic for Ireland which builds on the vision of republicans over the last two centuries, but which aims to be inclusive, peaceful and progressive from an economic and social perspective.”

He told An Phoblacht that he had been speaking at events organised by Friends of Sinn Féin in Calgary and Vancouver where he outlined to groups such as the Vancouver Easter Rising Committee the plans for Sinn Féin’s programme of 1916 centenary commemoration events in Canada.

“Many Irish emigrants will be coming home to take part in events across Ireland during 2016,” he said, “but, for those who are not in a position to do so, we need to give them the necessary supports to recognise their rights as Irish citizens and make them feel part of the commemoration of the momentous events that happened a century ago. They are no more or less Irish than those who stayed at home.”