Meet the team

Each of us at Moving2Canada has successfully settled into life in Canada. We know what it takes, who to ask for help, and how to make it all work.

Our goal is to help you achieve success in Canada, however you define it.

After observing a need for independent objective advice around planning a move to Canada, Ruairi launched Moving2Canada in 2011. Having moved from Ireland in 2008, he was determined to build a community where newcomers could share information and support. Ruairi is a proud dual citizen of both Ireland and Canada.

In his free time, Ruairi can be found snowboarding, hiking, camping, visiting Ireland or checking out other corners of the globe to adventure.

As Moving2Canada’s editor, Hugo brings more than five years of industry experience to the Moving2Canada team.

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Hugo has moved to Montreal not once, but twice — the second time in 2013. After a great period helping Moving2Canada find its feet after launch, Hugo went on to work for one of Canada’s largest immigration law firms for more than three years. He came home to Moving2Canada in early 2018.

Hugo has observed Canada’s ever-changing immigration system from both sides, as applicant and professionally. As a result, he understands the needs and goals of newcomers and representatives alike.

Hugo has also worked in New York, Southern California, and Ghana. In his free time, he can be found exploring Quebec and practicing his irregular French verbs, playing guitar, or explaining the offside rule.

Marcel is Moving2Canada’s marketing manager, responsible for growing our audience and promoting the Moving2Canada brand.

He was born in Hamburg, Germany, and began his career as a strategist for branding and digital communications for different international advertising and PR agencies in Germany.

Marcel recently moved to Quebec on an IEC Working Holiday permit, to live with his Canadian girlfriend. He brings his eight years of communications and branding experience to bear for the Moving2Canada team since August 2017. He plans to apply for Permanent Residency in 2018.

In his free time, Marcel can be found exploring the outdoors of Quebec and Canada, in the kitchen, cooking with local produce, or trying to beat that one level in Donkey Kong Country.

Tony is Moving2Canada’s Partnerships Strategist, working with Moving2Canada’s partners to identify new opportunities to serve our awesome Moving2Canada community better and make the sometimes overwhelming process of moving to a new country just a little bit easier.

Originally from Northern Ireland, Tony brings nearly 10 years’ product strategy and digital communications experience in Canadian and UK markets with top-tier brands like TELUS, O2, and Sky Television.

Tony has trodden a similar path to many new immigrants, getting into Canada on an IEC work permit and then successfully gaining permanent residence, with many sleepless nights in between. Even before joining the team, Tony was a fan of the site having used it extensively for many years to help forge his own path to permanent residence, and is delighted to now be contributing to the Moving2Canada community.

After spending the majority of the last few years working for one of the big Canadian mobile operators, and with his shiny new PR card in hand, Tony decided to take a well-earned career break to celebrate his PR achievement and complete one of his biggest personal goals, which was to do a ski season in Whistler. Having made the most of his time in Canada so far, since 2014 Tony has lived in no less than five major towns and cities across three provinces, from Montreal to Vancouver (and even Winnipeg!) but is delighted to call beautiful British Columbia home.

Patrick brings over six years research and communication expertise to the role of chief content writer with Moving2Canada.

Originally from Co. Limerick, Ireland, Patrick has a deep and diverse range of writing experience including roles in political communication, academic research and digital marketing. Prior to immigrating to Canada on an IEC Working Holiday work permit in 2016, Patrick proudly served as a campaign manager during Ireland’s successful Marriage Equality campaign of 2015.

As a recent immigrant to Canada, Patrick has first-hand experience of the many opportunities that the country has to offer. That said, he also knows many of the hurdles that immigrants are often required to navigate, and this know-how informs his writing for Moving2Canada.

Outside work, Patrick plays two types of football (Gaelic and association), while occasionally also finding time to watch the American and Canadian varieties. Aside from sport, he enjoys being an over-zealous quiz team-mate, as well as pondering if his life is, in fact, one elongated Smiths song.

Wayne is Moving2Canada’s Web Developer, and has been in the industry for more than six years. He joined the Moving2Canada team in February, 2018 and looks after all things technical.

Wayne hails from Tipperary, Ireland and has worked in both Ireland and Australia. He has worked with many different clients, including Virgin Airways, Rio Tinto, and Adare Manor.

Wayne can occasionally be found playing gigs in local pubs and taking hikes with his two dogs. He also likes to travel whenever and wherever he can.

Maria joined the Moving2Canada team in November, 2018 to work with Ruairi and the recruitment side of the business, Outpost Recruitment.

As a Quantity Surveyor with years of experience estimating and managing contracts from a consultant, EPCM and general contractor perspective, Maria brings a wealth of industry knowledge to Outpost.

Originally from Co. Armagh, Ireland, Maria moved to Canada in 2009 initially living in Calgary and shortly after settling in beautiful Vancouver, BC. Maria is a proud dual citizen of both Ireland and Canada.

In her free time Maria can be found having picnics with her family, skiing, camping or sampling local coffee shops. Maria loves adventure and travels when possible.

Shannon runs all our social media accounts and has has worked for various startups in Montreal before we were lucky enough to avail of her talents. With a penchant for punishing bike rides and befriending dogs that aren’t hers, Shannon believes in putting our audience first.

In August, 2018 the Moving2Canada team launched an additional website, Moving2Ireland.com, to help newcomers and returning citizens moving to Ireland. We hope that you enjoy visiting all websites across our network.