The Ireland Canada Connection

Alison Hodgson is Partner for Transformation, HR and Change Practice at RSM Ireland. In this episode Alison talks about the employment and HR landscape in Ireland and what Canadian companies need to know about employment law, the importance of those first hires and the types of employee benefits that will make them attractive to an Irish workforce in a very competitive employment market. We also discuss very important factors around communication styles in Ireland and what works best when giving feedback and trying to build rapport. 'Navigating the Irish Market' is a special series designed to help Canadian companies that are setting up operations in Ireland, or are considering doing so. The series analyses the Irish business landscape from a number of perspectives, including the tax system, the legal system, employment and HR, banking, government supports, networking and business culture. Host Patrick Haughey is joined by leading experts in the key areas that Canadian companies need to be familiar with in order to successfully operate in Ireland. This podcast is brought to you by the Ireland Canada Business Association. If you would like to find out more about the ICBA and how we can help you to successfully navigate the Irish market, please visit us at Irelandcanada.com

Kevin Elliott is EVP and Head of Global Foreign Direct Investment at Bank of Ireland. Kevin works with international companies to establish and scale their operations in Ireland. In this episode we learn about the banking environment in Ireland, how it compares to other EU countries, some of the common pitfalls to avoid, and advice for building relationships and networks in Ireland. For more information on setting up in Ireland and the key banking considerations, visit https://corporate.bankofireland.com/sectors/fdi/ 'Navigating the Irish Market' is a special series designed to help Canadian companies that are setting up operations in Ireland, or are considering doing so. The series analyses the Irish business landscape from a number of perspectives, including the tax system, the legal system, employment and HR, banking, government supports, networking and business culture. Host Patrick Haughey is joined by leading experts in the key areas that Canadian companies need to be familiar with in order to successfully operate in Ireland. This podcast is brought to you by the Ireland Canada Business Association. If you would like to find out more about the ICBA and how we can help you to successfully navigate the Irish market, please visit us at Irelandcanada.com

Kieran Trant is a Partner in the corporate department of Matheson - one of Ireland’s largest law firms. Kieran works with international companies on the establishment, expansion and operation of their businesses in Ireland and we talk about what the Irish legal system is like and how, as a common law system, it shares a lot of similarities with the Canadian legal system. But we also discuss the key differences and what companies need to know about those. We also learn about the ease of doing business in Ireland and why the pro-business environment has proven so popular with companies looking to internationalise. For more information about the main legal issues involced in setting up an international business in Ireland click https://www.matheson.com/doingbusinessinireland 'Navigating the Irish Market' is a special series designed to help Canadian companies that are setting up operations in Ireland, or are considering doing so. The series analyses the Irish business landscape from a number of perspectives, including the tax system, the legal system, employment and HR, banking, government supports, networking and business culture. Host Patrick Haughey is joined by leading experts in the key areas that Canadian companies need to be familiar with in order to successfully operate in Ireland. This podcast is brought to you by the Ireland Canada Business Association. If you would like to find out more about the ICBA and how we can help you to successfully navigate the Irish market, please visit us at Irelandcanada.com

Deirdre Moran is Country Manager for Canada at IDA Ireland and Hugh McGrath is Head of Corporate Services, Ireland, at investor services group, IQ-EQ. In conversation with host Patrick Haughey, Deirdre and Hugh talk about Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for multinational companies, the many supports that are available to companies who choose Ireland as their European base, and what you need to know about the geography of Ireland and the regions that might suit your sector best. 'Navigating the Irish Market' is a special series designed to help Canadian companies that are setting up operations in Ireland, or are considering doing so. The series analyses the Irish business landscape from a number of perspectives, including the tax system, the legal system, employment and HR, banking, government supports, networking and business culture. Host Patrick Haughey is joined by leading experts in the key areas that Canadian companies need to be familiar with in order to successfully operate in Ireland. This podcast is brought to you by the Ireland Canada Business Association. If you would like to find out more about the ICBA and how we can help you to successfully navigate the Irish market, please visit us at Irelandcanada.com

Cormac Kelleher is a Partner in the leading accounting, tax and advisory firm Forvis Mazars Ireland. In this episode Cormac talks about the tax environment in Ireland and what multinational companies need to know about the Irish tax system in order to set up correctly from the very start. We also talk about some of the aspects of tax that companies often overlook and why it is so important to address them early on, and the business culture in Ireland and how to succeed within it. 'Navigating the Irish Market' is a special series designed to help Canadian companies that are setting up operations in Ireland, or are considering doing so. The series analyses the Irish business landscape from a number of perspectives, including the tax system, the legal system, employment and HR, banking, government supports, networking and business culture. Host Patrick Haughey is joined by leading experts in the key areas that Canadian companies need to be familiar with in order to successfully operate in Ireland. This podcast is brought to you by the Ireland Canada Business Association. If you would like to find out more about the ICBA and how we can help you to successfully navigate the Irish market, please visit us at Irelandcanada.com

Air connectivity between two areas has been proven to boost tourism and business links between them. On this episode of The Ireland Canada Connection Steve Crocker, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, talks about the new Westjet direct route linking Dublin, Ireland and St John’s, Newfoundland and the benefits it will bring. In conversation with host Patrick Haughey, Minister Crocker shares his vision for Newfoundland’s relationship with Ireland, from a tourism, culture and economic perspective. They also discuss: · The appeal of Newfoundland and Labrador as a tourist destination · What the provinces have to offer to businesses, particularly in the area of renewable energy. · The very special historical links between Ireland and this part of Canada · Why Minister Crocker is supporting the nomination of the Valentia Transatlantic Cable project for Unesco World Heritage status

Recorded during her final weeks in the role as Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, Nancy Smyth joins host Patrick Haughey to for a wide-ranging conversation about her career in public service, why being posted to the role of Canadian Ambassador to Ireland was so significant for her and her family, the achievements of which she is most proud, and what Nancy has learned about Ireland and Irish people during her term. Produced and Presented by Patrick Haughey of AudioBrand For more information about The Ireland Canada Business Association visit Irelandcanada.com

While in Dublin to deliver the keynote address at the ICBA Business Summit 2024, Dr Ailish Campbell recorded an interview with Patrick Haughey for this special episode of The Ireland Canada Connection. They speak about Dr Campbell’s Irish heritage, how she was the first person on both sides of her family to go to university, why she was drawn to work in public service and what she loves about it, and they discuss the special relationship between Ireland and Canada and Dr Campbell’s vision for how it can continue to grow and thrive. If you would like to watch the keynote speech that Dr Campbell delivered at the ICBA’s business summit in Dublin’s Iveagh House, you can find it HERE

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

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. "