Canada to finally recognise 19th century labourers

Thousands of Irish labourers who worked, suffered and died in a massive 19th century construction project in Canada have finally been acknowledged.

The workers mostly from south Munster, toiled alongside French-Canadians in carving, through an unforgiving wilderness of bush, rock, swamps and lakes the 202-km Rideau Canal.

The amenity between Ottawa and Kingston had been completed during the period 1826-32.