Conclusion

 

 Links between Canada and Iceland are strong. There is a real historical basis. The Vikings were the first Europeans to discover and settle in North America, Canada. Even though this settlement did not last, it did occur. When life became impossible in Iceland in the late 1800s many Icelanders had to leave or starve. They went with other Europeans to North America. They not only established their own territory, New Iceland but also became active partners in the develpoment of the New World. They became active in government and politics. They keep their ties with their homeland, letters written, newspapers and books published in Icelandic.

 Even with some great differences like population and land size there are many similaties also. Both countries are resource rich, settled by immigrants, have similar lifestyles and government and parts of Canada have a similar climate to Iceland. Both countries share a northerly place in the world and are similar and in partnership because of location.

 Business and commercee is increasing between Canada and Iceland. Originally fish related but now moving to other areas like transportation, industrial and high tech. Traded areas are being opened and partnerships being developed.

 Culture is probably the main link between Canada and Iceland. There are almost as many people of Icelandic descent in Canada as people in Iceland so that has to influence the culture of a country. Various activities occur to promopte culture like Islendingadagurinn in Gimli. Various organizations also provide cultural assistancec like the Icelandic National League of North America and Iceland. Numerous other ventures like Vesturfarasetrið in Hofsós and other museums do their share of cultural enlightenment. Educational institutes and facilties like the University of Manitoba, Haskola Islands and the Stefansson Institute in Akureyri provide a scholastic link between Canada and Iceland. Youth Programs have been established like the Snorri Program and are getting the youth of today interested in other cultures.

 There have been historical connections and recently established “Official” connections that also promote links between Canada and Iceland. Ever since its independence Iceland has had some representation in Canada and Canada has had similar representation in Iceland but Embassies have been established in the last couple years and they seem to be very active in their capacity and are having an impact.

 I think there is potential for growth in all kinds of relations between Canada and Iceland. I actually moved to Iceland in 2001 to try to establish more such links. I have been somewhat successful and will continue to try. I hope to eventually establish a business that specializes in Iceland and Canada, trade, travel and relations. For now I have set up a web site; which includes a mission statement that I have been working with. Please check out  www.nordictrails.org

 

Some helpful websites;

 

Íslandssöguvefurinn Vesturfararnir http://servefir.ruv.is/vesturfarar/e/personur.html

 

Canadian Embassy in Iceland www.canada.is

 

Icelandic Embassy in Ottawa www.iceland.org/ca

 

University Of Manitoba,

Icelandic Department http://www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/arts/icelandic/

 

Government of Canada http://www.canada.gc.ca

 

Government of Iceland http://government.is