According to the most recent census there are around 15,000 people of Irish descent in BC and one in seven Canadians claims Irish ancestry according to Jim Kelly the Irish ambassador to Canada. In the Metro Vancouver area community organizers like Elis Courtney have noticed anecdotally an increase in young Irish people. Galvanizing the growing but scattered Irish diaspora in British Columbia is another method the Irish government is exploring to connect Western Canadian markets to Irish businesses. is a lead organizer on the Chamber of Commerce's Irish community mapping project. 's Irish community tend to be young, mobile and transient Courtney said, making networking a tough task without a community focal point like the new consulate.

Source: CBC News March 17, 2019 15:00 UTC