Munster Express Online

St John's in Newfoundland, which has been twinned with Waterford City for the past 11 years.

A delegation will arrive in Waterford next week from Newfoundland and Labrador seeking to recruit Waterford locals to help meet the demands of its growing economy on the other side of the Atlantic.

The delegation will be in Waterford on Tuesday next, November 12th in a bid to bring further sons and daughters of the Deise to its shores some 1800 miles from home.

Canada’s most easterly province is currently undersubscribed in employment terms across a range of professions, including healthcare, engineering, construction and food services to name but four.

And if the experience of one Waterfordian offers any perspective, then those seeking work should see what’s on offer next Tuesday, with further information available on www.workinginnl.com.

Originally from Kilrossanty, Ross Houlihan (29) spent five months on an exchange programme through Waterford IT.

On completing his business degree he returned to travel Canada in 2006, then returned to Newfoundland and Labrador where he set up a new life.
“To me, Newfoundland and Labrador is more Irish than it is Canadian,” he said, “Just like Ireland we’re an island with our own culture. It really is a home away from home.

“What I love about it here is the values are just the same as home and personality types are not so different either – this makes it much easier to integrate.”

Ross’s story is not unlike that of his ancestors many of whom came from Waterford, Kilkenny and Wexford.

Ross has experienced a flood of Irish moving to the province over the past few years, adding: “It’s been great for us here as the GAA club is now thriving and it’s good for business and networking – I’ve established an Irish network community here.

“People here are very proud of their Irish heritage so Ireland’s loss is our gain. You’ll find this especially in the rural towns here you come across people who have lived here for centuries with Irish accents … It’s just fascinating.

“They drink Guinness, know how to relax, use the local pub as a meeting place rather than just a drinking spot and have the craic. I hope that my children and their children will nurture their Irish heritage.”

Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy is roughly where Ireland’s was some 15 years. Ross added: “Industry is thriving here – there is lots of opportunity. Anything of value that can be found in the land can be found in Newfoundland and Labrador -  oil industry, iron ore, mineral mining to name a few and the industries are all thriving. There’s plenty of opportunity for Irish people looking for a home away from home.”