RxSource: choosing Ireland over the UK, the advantages of regulation, and hiring remotely

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

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 

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 past and united in our hope and ambition for the future. Ireland and Canada share a truly unique relationship and as we face an uncertain world and the increasing challenges of this new century, Canada will remain a friend and ally for Ireland and a partner in working towards the betterment of our people, our two countries and the wider world. "

The aviation industry is going through a period of significant innovation right now, in particular around its efforts to become more environmentally sustainable and lessen its impact on the planet. 

In this episode of The Ireland Canada Connection, Blaithin O’Donnell, Sales Manager for Air Canada in Ireland, outlines some of the fascinating things that the company is doing to become more environmentally friendly. The strategy includes small but effective actions like changing the nature of the paint used on airplanes, right up to the introduction of electrically powered aircraft in the near future. 

We also speak about the return to business travel and why SMEs have been much quicker than larger companies to make business trips post-Covid, and we hear all about the future of aviation and what this will mean for travellers. 

 The Ireland Canada Connection is presented and produced by Patrick Haughey of Audiobrand.