The Ireland Canada Connection

Originally from Dublin, Robert Kearns emigrated to Canada in 1979 and since then has become one of the most prominent and active members of the Irish-Canadian community. He has been continuously involved in Irish-Canadian business and cultural relations, a board member of several related organisations, and he is particularly well known for spearheading the creation of Ireland Park, Grasett Park and The Corleck in Toronto

In this conversation with Patrick Haughey, Robert shares the story of his arrival in Canada and his early years in Toronto. He talks about the deep historical and cultural connection between Ireland and Canada – a topic he knows a lot about, as a student of history. He also reveals what drives him to work so extensively to commemorate and promote the Irish-Canadian relationship and build cross community relationships.  

Laureen Regan was appointed to the position of Vice Consul in 2014 by former Ambassador, Ray Bassett. In this role she is responsible for fostering and facilitating trade and investment between Irish businesses and those in the Canadian province of Alberta.

In this episode of The Ireland Canada Connection, Laureen joins host Patrick Haughey to talk about:

 ·       Being born in Ireland and raised in Canada 

·       The similarities between people from Ireland and Alberta and why that is such a strong foundation for successful business relationships

·       What makes Alberta unique among Canadian provinces and why Irish companies should consider establishing a base there

·       The upcoming Calgary-Ireland trade mission to Dublin that Laureen is leading in May 2024

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 Ireland Canada relations.

Produced and presented by Patrick Haughey of AudioBrand 

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, some of the most striking findings in terms of exports and investment, where he believes the most valuable opportunities lie to build on the current relationship, and what policy makers and stakeholders need to do to make sure that opportunity is realised.

To read the full report, follow this link

Produced and presented by Patrick Haughey, AudioBrand

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 country and his adopted one from a societal and political perspective.

Produced and presented by Patrick Haughey of AudioBrand

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 Foundation. Fred talks about growing up with Terry and what he was like as a kid, the remarkable fortitude with which he handled his cancer diagnosis, the genesis of the terry fox run and the impact it has had worldwide ever since. 

This year’s Terry Fox run Ireland will take place in Herbert Park in Dublin on Sat September 16th at 9am. 100 % of the proceeds from the run will go directly to the Irish Cancer Society to help fund world class cancer research. This run is not only a great cause, but it is also great fun so if you’d like to sign up and support a great cause, here is the link to register  https://www.idonate.ie/event/terryfoxrunireland2023 

Presented and produced by Patrick Haughey, AudioBrand 

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.  

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 rowing 3,000 miles.

[00:03:56] Sports Psychology and Endurance Training.

[00:09:02] Testing mental tools during adventure.

[00:13:35] Cycling in extreme temperatures.

[00:18:22] Mental preparation for challenges.

[00:19:36] Encountering wildlife on the journey.

[00:22:23] Canadian hospitality and friendliness.

[00:25:54] Overcoming negative self-talk.

[00:29:15] Handling uncontrollable situations.

[00:32:38] Business Mindset and Growth.

Produced by Patrick Haughey of AudioBrand 

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 de Chastelain, Tony Blair, Teresa May, Bill Clinton, Liz Truss and many others. 

·      The pride he felt when Ireland passed marriage equality legislation 

·      Why CETA should be fully ratified 

Produced by Patrick Haughey of AudioBrand for the Ireland Canada Business Association 

“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 unanimously passed in the Canadian House of Commons in 2021.

Produced and presented by Patrick Haughey of AudioBrand