Seeking a better life
MV Highlanders head chef moved to Canada to give children more opportunities.
Editor’s note: This is part of the second instalment of a threeday series which commemorates 120 years of connection between Cape Breton and ‘The Rock.’
When Juliane Burgesson moved to Canada, she knew her children would have plenty of opportunities to be successful.
Burgesson originally moved to Port Hawkesbury from the African city of Accra, Ghana, with her husband, an engineer, who at the time was employed by Transport Canada.
Although Burgesson’s main reason for making the move with her husband was to benefit her three children, the 56-yearold considers the decision the best she has ever made, not only for her kids, but for herself as well.
“There were more opportunities for all of us, it was a decision we had to make,” said Burgesson with a smile. “It was the best thing to happen to us and we’re all grateful to live here.”
With her husband working on a vessel for the federal government for six months at a time, and her children in school, Burgesson made the decision to seek employment as a chef.
Burgesson was hired by Maritime Inn in Port Hawkesbury to work in the company’s restaurant and, after working at the hotel for a number of years, she decided to try something new.
“A lot of people were coming to the area for training at the Strait Area Campus (NSCC) and they were talking about working with Marine Atlantic,” said Burgesson.
Burgesson would later apply for a job with Marine Atlantic. She was hired by the company in 2012.
Today, Burgesson is the head chef on board the MV Highlanders, a vessel that travels between North Sydney and Port aux Basques, N.L., daily.
“Even before I came here I had always wanted to work on a boat,” said Burgesson. “It’s a good place to work if you’re young and you’re raising a family. It will certainly help you move forward in life, but you have to be very serious about the work.”
Each crossing is different for Burgesson. Her duties consist of preparing food for passengers as well as helping fellow cooks and preparing a kitchen-plan each day.
“People eat with their eyes. Not only will it look good, but it should also taste good too,” said Burgesson. “I take pride in my work and I want to make sure the best food is served to the passengers.”
Although Burgesson has had her own success, she’s extremely proud of the accomplishments of her children.
Burgesson’s oldest son graduated from Dalhousie University’s medical school last year, while her middle child recently finished his schooling at Saint Mary’s University, both is Halifax. Her youngest child is currently enrolled at Saint Mary’s in the political science program.
“Everything is working out extremely good for them and it’s really nice to see them being successful here in Canada,” said Burgesson. “It makes me proud seeing them happy and it makes me know that I made the right decision.”
When she’s not working on the boat, Burgesson spends her time in Halifax, a city she now calls home, with her children. Her husband has since returned to Africa where he works on an oil rig.
“I wouldn’t change this for the world,” said Burgesson. “I’m not young anymore, but maybe I will be here (with Marine Atlantic) for another little while. I have no plans to retire — I love it.”