Irish Immigrants
The Irish first arrived in Canada nearly 400 years ago, and to this day they have almost been fully integrated into our Canadian society. Years ago, they tended to move to large American cities, however they also moved to Canada and spread into the Canadian countryside. They have made a significant influence on the history of this country and they have very much became a part of the Canadian identity today. The Irish first came to Canada due to dire economic conditions in their homelands, and due to the lack of jobs. Some also came because of poverty, and others because the British wanted to get ride of Irish troublemakers who rebelled against the British rule in Ireland. The first Irishman settled in Canada near Newfoundland in 1622. Later that century, the Irish began to settle in Newfoundland in larger numbers. Most of them came on English fishing vessels, however
Those who were able to survive the great famine and the cholera epidemic were provided with cheap labour and helped the economic growth of Canada in the 1850's and 60's. The Irish persevered in the face of adversity, establishing themselves in all areas of Canadian life. Patrick's Day, which is celebrated in Canada with parades, music and more than a few pints in the many Irish pubs across the country. The contribution of Irish traditions and folklore add colour to the rich mosaic of Canadian cultural diversity. Most of Canada's Irish communities were established before the famine. Unfortunately most of the Irish who came during the famine did not survive because thousands died of starvation or diseases such as fever, typhus and dysentery soon after they arrived. The immigration of the Irish changed the definition of what it means to be Canadian during the nineteenth century, due to the immigrant's perseverance in adversity and their overcoming obstacles. Canada's port of entry was Quebec City and many immigrants settled in the area. Thousands of these Irish were infected with the disease, and many died. The Irish have integrated into our society, and brought many aspects of their homeland into our Canadian culture, yet they still will not give up the fact that they are Irish. However most of the Irish preferred America, and thousands left by the 1860's. Most stayed and established Canada as they new home. Cholera struck North America in the second decade of the nineteenth century. Though the Atlantic Provinces have strong links to Ireland, the strongest Irish-Canadian connections are in Quebec, where 40 per cent of the population are of Irish ancestry. Since 1824 Canadians have been wearing green and celebrating this festivity.
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