Irish immigration to British North America

By: Molly & Lauryn

 Who?
During the famine years of 1845-1852, Canada received approximately
300,000 Irish refugees. In the summer of 1847, over 20,000 would die at
sea, in quarantine stations, fever sheds, orphanages and shantytowns across
Canada.
 What?
As English-speakers, they were regularly hired on construction sites, and
played key roles in the creation of the Rideau Canal. Irish immigrants also
helped to build the Lachine Canal and St. Patrick's Basilica in Montreal.
 When?
Late 1600's: some Ulster-Scots emigration into some Eastern Canada settlements

1760: A few thousand Ulster (Protestant) Irish settled lands vacated by Acadians in Nova Scotia.

1815: After the close of the Napoleonic wars in Europe, many immigrants settled along the St. Lawrence River. Although
many immigrants were "late Loyalists" with many English settlers.

1815–1850:Greatest immigration was from Scotland and Ireland to Atlantic colonies. A few thousand came each year.
After the year 1818, an influx of Protestant Irish began in Upper Canada.

1830s: The great Irish immigration took place, especially to New Brunswick.

1846–1850s: During the Famine Migration from Ireland, tens of thousands settled farms and towns of Upper and Lower
Canada. The effect of the Irish immigration into Canada's population within such a short span of time was enormous. At
the height of the Great Famine years--1847 and 1848, the lingering sickness, disease and poverty adversely affected
Canada's local populations in or surrounding its port towns.
 Where?
Irish Catholics dominated Newfoundland, Halifax, and Prince Edward Island,
while Irish Protestants were close to half of the Irish population in New
Brunswick and the majority in northern Nova Scotia. It is estimated that up
to four million Canadians can trace some Irish ancestry, including a high
percentage of Frnech-speaking Quebecers.
 Why?
The Irish people came to canada to escape the potato famine. They were
promised good land for very cheap.
 How?
The Irish peasants came to North America in overcrowded and unsanitary
ships known as "coffin ships." Cabin passenger Robert Whyte recorded the
horrifying conditions in the steerage section of a ship."
The End