Canada on the hunt for Galway farmers

Date Published: 07-Mar-2012

Farmers and labourers from Galway’s 13,400 farms are being ‘head-hunted’ to fill thousands of jobs in Canada – with some provinces in the North American country so desperate for workers they are offering permanent residency to farmers who purchase land there.

Hundreds of struggling farm workers from across Galway are expected to join the lengthening queues of emigrants from Irish airports.

The huge demand has seen Canada ‘up its game’ in the competition with Australia for workers from Ireland.

A delegation from Western Canada visited Ireland lately as part of a recruitment drive – it’s estimated that around 6,000 work permits will be issued to Ireland this year.

Recruitment companies are desperately searching for tradesmen such as welders, carpenters, plumbers, plant drivers and diesel mechanics.

But one of the biggest employment sectors seeking workers in farming, where a variety of skilled workers are being sought.

If an Irish farmer purchases land in some Canadian provinces – or even invests in a business there – their work permits will be upgraded to permanent, making them Canadian citizens.

Migration expert Edwina Shanahan of VisaFirst.com said demand for farm workers from Galway is high, and there is competition between Canada and Australia for them.

“Some of the workers in Galway’s 13,400 farms may be interested to learn that their talents are being called upon in Canada to fill employment opportunities throughout the country.

“Many Canadian provinces are even willing to give permanent residency to farmers who are willing to buy land or buy into an existing farming business and set up shop in Canada."

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.