Ireland Newfoundland Partnership

The Ireland Newfoundland Partnership is the Irish organisation with responsibility for facilitating and promoting cooperation with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The INP was established in April 2001 on foot of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Government of Ireland and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. This agreement was signed by former Taoiseach John Bruton, together with the then Premier of Newfoundland, Brian Tobin. The agreement was reaffirmed by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in 1999 and by Premier Danny Williams in July 2004 (see appendix A).

The agreement derives from the very significant migratory ties between Ireland and Newfoundland. These migrations date back to the 17th century, and stemmed mainly from the South East of Ireland. Today, approximately 50% of the population of Newfoundland is of Irish origin, and traditional Irish customs have taken on a new life in modern day Newfoundland culture through the influx of Irish Newfoundlanders.