It was through her role as Director of Development and External Engagement at National College of Ireland that Dr Deirdre Giblin first became connected with the Ireland Canada Business Association. And just a few years later, she is Chairperson. The journey in between has been a fascinating one, and in this episode of The Ireland Canada Connection, Deirdre shares the story of her first encounter with ICBA, why she found the relationship between the Ireland and Canada so compelling,  working with and learning from some brilliant people along the way, and her optimism about the future of I ..read more

The strength and potential of the Ireland Canada relationship was highlighted in very clear terms in a specially commissioned independent economic report, compiled by economist Jim Power for the ICBA.  It details the 'enormous' growth opportunities between Ireland and Canada, given the right conditions. These conditions are outlined in the report and form a central part of the ICBA's efforts to impact policy and facilitate an enhanced business environment in Ireland for Canadian operations. In this episode of the Ireland Canada Connection Jim talks about the background to the report, som ..read more

Born and raised in Canada, Chris Collenette moved to Ireland almost twenty years ago and has recently officially become an Irish citizen. Chris spent four years as Chairperson of the Ireland Canada Business Association and in this episode of The Ireland Canada Connection he talks about his time in the role, fostering the Ireland Canada relationship and helping to grow the organisation’s membership and influence. Chris also talks about what led him to move to Ireland, how he adjusted to life in a new country, personally and professionally, and the similarities and differences between his home ..read more

In 1980 Terry Fox embarked on a remarkable journey. With one leg having been amputated due to cancer, he set out to run east-to-west across Canada to raise money and awareness for cancer research. It was called ‘The Marathon of Hope’. Terry did not get to complete his journey, but his efforts resulted in a worldwide legacy, inspiring annual Terry Fox Runs around the globe, and raising hundreds of millions of dollars for cancer research. On this episode of The Ireland Canada Connection, Patrick Haughey is joined by Terry’s older brother, Fred Fox, Manager of Support Relations at The Terry Fox ..read more

Natalie Marchut, Manager of Development and Strategy with the Downtown Strategy Team at the City of Calgary, explains how the city has been incentivising developers to convert vacant offices into much-needed homes. With many countries experiencing a severe shortage of residential property, this innovative initiative is being hailed as a potential solution, and many other governments and city councils around the world are considering a similar approach, including in Ireland.  Produced by Patrick Haughey of AudioBrand.   ..read more

Dr Karen Weekes is an endurance adventurer, sports psychologist and Irish Sportswoman of the Year 2022. In conversation with Cabrina Conaty, Karen talks about some of her greatest adventures including her 4,000 mile cycle from Vancouver to Halifax and a 3,000 mile row from the Canaries to Barbados solo and unsupported, earning her the title of the first Irish female to row any ocean solo. They also discuss the mindset required for her extreme challenges, cultural similarities between Irish and Canadian people, and how the lessons of these journeys are applicable to business. [00:01:23] Solo ro ..read more

A  fascinating conversation with Canada’s Minister of Labour,  Seamus O’Regan. Topics include: ·      His Irish heritage and time studying in University College Dublin learning about Ireland’s Celtic Tiger  ·      How much he enjoyed his years as a national breakfast tv show presenter, despite not being a morning person!  ·      The housing crisis in Canada and Ireland and his faith in our ability to solve them  ·      Being in Belfast for the Good Friday Agreement commemorations and sharing the room with John ..read more

“To this day, I will go somewhere and I will meet somebody with Irish Heritage and they’ll have tears in their eyes about how important this is to them” The month of March is now officially 'Irish Heritage Month' across Canada, and its all thanks to James Maloney, a Canadian MP with Irish roots, who wanted to find a way to formerly recognise the contribution that the Irish community have made to Canada’s society, culture and infrastructure. In this episode of the Ireland Canada Connection, James tells the fascinating story behind this initiative, and the impact it has had since being unanimo ..read more

Henk Potts is Director of Investment Strategy at Barclays Private Bank. In this episode of the Ireland Canada Connection Henk gives his outlook for the global economy, he talks specifically about how Canada and Ireland are performing and what opportunities and challenges are coming down the tracks, and we discuss falling inflation, a looming European recession, and the opportunities for investors in the current market.   The Ireland Canada Connection is produced and presented by Patrick Haughey of AudioBrand  ..read more

At the ICBA Maple Leaf Dinner 2022, Leo Varadkar (now Taoiseach) delivered a keynote speech that addressed the power of the relationship between Ireland and Canada and the continuing  support that it will be given by Ireland's political leadership. Click play to listen to the full speech. "So, colleagues, just really wanted to conclude tonight by once again saluting what is the strength of the Ireland Canada relationship, a relationship that is connected by our cultures, by our literatures, and above all, by our people. We're divided by a wide ocean, but bound together forever by our pas ..read more