Engineer:
Derek, his wife and their four children (aged between 2 and 7) moved to Canada from Ireland in the spring of 2013. Derek works as an Engineer with an electric utility company in Alberta.
“My background at home was as a Civil Engineer with no experience in utilities. However, after speaking to people who’d emigrated to Canada and doing some research, I was extremely impressed and made the decision to move to Alberta even though I had been leaning towards a move to Australia prior to that time.
I love the ‘get it done’ attitude here in Canada. The Canadians want to solve problems, not create them, and they believe in a work-life balance. Our kids have settled in school and are really enjoying trying out new sports which is a major part of life here. While it’s a big move we don’t regret it at all and couldn’t see ourselves returning to Ireland.
The words I’d use to describe Canada – friendly people, beautiful landscape, lots of opportunities, well paid jobs, large selection of sports, healthy outdoor lifestyle – our only regret was that we didn't move earlier!!”
Truck Driver:
"My name is Paul and I'm from the West of Ireland. I had an articulated lorry of my own and during the boom I worked very long hours and made plenty of money. Unfortunately, when things slowed down I was forced to do cross-channel trips and at one stage I was having to sleep in my lorry on the docks in Dublin in order to get enough work. As my lorry got older I spent a lot of time and money on repairs and eventually when the time came to replace my truck I couldn’t afford to buy a new one.
I had been looking at moving abroad and 2 years ago I moved to Canada with my family. I live in Edmonton and I drive a semi for a company who undertake contracts for the oil industry. I drive a comfortable new vehicle and don't have to worry about maintainign the truck or about where the pay cheque is coming from. I work about 57 hours most weeks and I'm well paid. I am home every night with my family and we get to enjoy the weekends together doing different activities. We have settled in well in Edmonton and I am getting to know many other Irish and English families who have emigrated here. I’m very happy with our move."