About Us

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Mission
| Projects
| History of CIF
| President of Ireland
| Chair’s Statement
| Land Acknowledgement

Our Mission

To deepen and broaden Canadians’ connection to the culture of Ireland through events, public spaces, and collaborations.

Ireland Park

A commemoration of Irish Famine migrants on Toronto's waterfront.

Explore Ireland Park

Grasett Park

Honouring caregivers who perished while assisting newly arriving Famine migrants.

Explore Grasett Park

The Corleck

Opening 2026. A new venue for arts, culture and heritage in Toronto.

Explore The Corleck

History of the Foundation

Canada Ireland Foundation is dedicated to celebrating the story of the Irish in Canada. Originally known as the Ireland Park Foundation, the organization was founded by Robert G. Kearns in 1997 with the purpose of creating a public space to commemorate Irish Famine migrants who arrived in Toronto in 1847.

With the support of the City of Toronto and many other generous public and private contributors, Ireland Park was officially opened in July 2007, in the presence of Mary McAleese, President of Ireland.

In the course of our research into the arrival of Famine migrants in Toronto in the summer of 1847, Professor Mark McGowan and his colleagues uncovered the story of Dr. George Robert Grasett, a young doctor who volunteered to head the City’s medical response to the outbreak of ship fever (typhus) among the newly arrived Famine migrants, and who tragically perished from the disease himself less than a month later.

As we learned about Dr. Grasett and others like him, we felt it necessary to honour their sacrifice and to restore the story of their remarkable bravery and compassion to public memory. And so, again in partnership with the City of Toronto and with the support of many generous public and private contributors, we embarked upon a decade-long process of creating Grasett Park, which was officially opened in July 2021 in downtown Toronto, on the site of the old hospital grounds where fever sheds once stood. Grasett Park was completed and officially dedicated just as Toronto began to emerge from the COVID pandemic. The dedication and sacrifices of healthcare workers during our modern public health crisis echoed the legacy of those who rushed forward to address the typhus epidemic of 1847.

Since the organizations inception, its mission has grown and evolved. Now known as Canada Ireland Foundation, in addition to developing and maintaining important public spaces, we continue to conduct and present original historical research, while presenting an ever-expanding range of contemporary artistic and cultural events and programmes throughout the year.

Canada Ireland Foundation would not be able to fulfill our mission without our incredible network of volunteers, donors and supporters. We invite you to get in touch with members of our team to explore ways in which you can get involved.

Chair’s Statement

It is a privilege to step into the role of Chair of the Canada Ireland Foundation at such a pivotal moment in our history. With the opening of The Corleck on Toronto’s waterfront, we are entering an extraordinary new chapter that will see our community, our artists, and our heritage celebrated in ways never before possible in Canada.

The Foundation has always stood at the intersection of culture, history, and community. What began as a commitment to honour Irish contributions to Canada has grown into a vibrant platform for artistic exchange, dialogue, and connection. At the heart of this story is the Irish community itself. For generations, Irish Canadians have contributed to the social, cultural, and civic life of this country, and it is their legacy that inspires and sustains the Foundation’s work today.

I would like to express my deep gratitude to our Founding Chair, Robert G. Kearns. His vision, determination, and generosity laid the groundwork for all that we are achieving. Without his leadership, The Corleck would not be possible, and we are proud to carry forward the mission he began.

As Chair, my focus will be to ensure the Foundation continues to grow in both ambition and impact. We will sustain the highest standards of artistic excellence, strengthen our financial foundations, and foster a welcoming space where creativity, heritage, and community come together.

I look forward to working with our dedicated Board, staff, volunteers, and supporters as we bring this vision to life. Together, we will ensure The Corleck becomes a landmark of cultural exchange, a home for artists and audiences alike, and a lasting legacy for the Irish community and for generations to come.

Land Acknowledgement

Canada Ireland Foundation acknowledges that the land we gather and operate on is the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and that it is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.