The Ireland Canada Connection The Ireland Canada Business Association

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.