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Canada meets Inishowen at Laurentic Conference 27.01.09
THE CANADIAN Ambassador
to Ireland Patrick Binns has urged the businesses of
Buncrana to take inspiration from the town's
official crest and "build bridges" both culturally
and economically.
Mr Binns was speaking at the inaugural Laurentic
Conference 2009 at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel on
Friday.
"Just as the Buncrana town shield has a bridge as
its centerpiece, we should continue building bridges
despite the current economic challenges," said Mr
Binns.
Conference participants were also given a talk by
the Canadian trade commissioner to Ireland, Richard
Philippe. He spoke of Canada's relative prudence
while other nations had ignored financial
regulation. Mr Phillippe urged the businesses of
Buncrana, Inishowen and the North West to now view
Canada as a first choice for new business
relationships. |
Meanwhile, Mr Binns
thanked Ulster Newfoundland Initiative founder
Donnie McNeill for his "vision" in spearheading the
harmonisation of the two closely related cultures.
"If you were in Newfoundland, blindfolded, listening
to the people talk, you might think you were still
in Ireland as the speech and customs are so similar. |
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"They sing the same
songs and know the same poems, the same stories.
Ireland and the east coast of Canada are the two
closest points of contact between Europe and North
America," said Mr Binns.
The following day, the Canadian dignitaries and
their hosts commemorated the Laurentic Disaster of
1918 at St Mura's Graveyard in Fahan.
Mr Binns said the disaster in which so many people
lost their lives, had a "silver lining" in that its
commemoration had led to new friendships and
hopefully future trade links between the two
regions. |
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