2025 econext Pre Conference Social

Join us for econext’s 2025 Pre-Conference Social, in partnership with KBRS & Corner Brook Port Corporation. This in-person event will take place on Wednesday October 8th, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Grotto, located at 189 Water Street in St. John’s.

Connect with fellow professionals in the industry and enjoy a fun-filled evening of networking, drinks, and snacks. This is a great opportunity to mingle with fellow Conference attendees, expand your professional network, and catch up with the econext team.

Admission to this event is included with a registration to the 2025 econext Conference. We kindly ask that Conference attendees register on this page as well – it only takes a minute!

Be sure to RSVP by 2:00 PM on Tuesday September 30th. If you have any questions regarding the social, please contact Colin Heffernan via e-mail at heffernan@econext.ca, or by phone at (709) 979-0423.

Don’t miss out on this exciting event! Register now and secure your spot.

Click Here to Register

Laura Barron Appointed CEO of econext

St. John’s, NL – The Board of Directors of econext is pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Barron as the new Chief Executive Officer.

Barron steps into the role following an extensive national search and brings with her a deep commitment to environmental innovation, organizational leadership, and sustainable economic development. Most recently serving as Director of Marketing Communications for World Energy GH2, she has two decades of experience building relationships across government, industry, and communities to advance clean growth initiatives across the region.

As CEO, Barron will lead econext into its next phase of growth, building on the momentum of recent years while strengthening operational focus and long-term strategy. She will guide the organization through a critical period of opportunity, helping to align its expanding programs and partnerships with a clear vision for sustainable prosperity in Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond.

“I’m honoured to be joining econext at such a pivotal time for clean growth in this province and across Canada,” said Barron. “The challenges and opportunities ahead demand bold collaboration and strategic clarity. I’m excited to build on the exceptional work already underway, and to work alongside our members, partners, and staff to amplify Newfoundland and Labrador’s leadership in the green economy.”

The Board also acknowledges the significant contributions of Kieran Hanley, who has served as CEO since 2016. Under Hanley’s leadership, econext became a nationally recognized voice in sustainable development. Hanley will remain with econext in a senior leadership role, focusing on strategic policy priorities and economic development initiatives.

“Laura is a leader of vision and integrity who brings the experience, relationships, and operational savvy that econext needs in this next chapter,” said Alex Templeton, Chair of the Board. “We’re incredibly grateful that Kieran will continue to help steer our policy and economic development efforts and look forward to the results of their strong partnership that will serve our members and partners well.”

Barron’s appointment marks the next chapter in econext’s evolution. Her leadership will help advance the organization’s mission through continued relationship-building, strategic focus, and a deep commitment to sustainable economic transformation.

econext would like to extend its gratitude to the search committee for their time spent working with KBRS Executive Search on this critical hire for the organization. Barron will begin her role as Chief Executive Officer starting on August 4, 2025.

Congratulations and welcome to econext, Laura!

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Media Contact
Chelsie Cake
709.979.0389
cake@econext.ca

Discussion Paper: Energy Storage Applications and Potential in Newfoundland and Labrador

Energy storage is viewed internationally as being key in the fight against climate change, as it allows for the stabilization of renewable energy supplies which are oftentimes intermittently available – when the sun does not shine and the wind does not blow.

The objective of this discussion paper is to outline a range of technologies and consider their various possible benefits within the context of Newfoundland and Labrador – including barriers that may exist to their adoption.

Download Discussion Paper

econext publishes discussion paper exploring energy storage applications in Newfoundland and Labrador

For Immediate Release
July 23, 2025

Energy storage has a number of potentially significant applications in Newfoundland and Labrador, says a discussion paper released today by econext.

“From balancing supply and demand in our electricity grid to enabling significant new economic development, energy storage can play an important role in our province’s clean energy future,” said Kieran Hanley, econext’s CEO.

Energy can be stored through a variety of different technologies ranging from batteries, to gravity-based systems that involve water or weights, to the use of underground caverns. econext’s discussion paper outlines a range of technologies and considers their various possible benefits within the context of Newfoundland and Labrador – including barriers that may exist to their adoption.

Energy storage is viewed internationally as being key in the fight against climate change, as it allows for the stabilization of renewable energy supplies which are oftentimes intermittently available – when the sun does not shine and the wind does not blow.

Click to Download the Report

“What strikes us in this paper is the enormity of the opportunity associated with salt dome structures that are prevalent in Western Newfoundland,” said Hanley. Salt domes are geological formations that provide large, stable underground cavities that can be utilized for energy storage, particularly for hydrogen and compressed air. “The energy storage potential that exists in our province is unique and presents significant economic development opportunities not just for our province, but for the continent.” Hanley said the resource warrants a great deal of attention.

The report was completed in partnership with Angler Solutions and is intended as a first step for econext to define more concretely the opportunities that exist and inform its future efforts to help innovators pursue them.

About econext

econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. For more information, visit econext.ca.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

Are you looking for resources to help navigate Newfoundland and Labrador’s regulatory environment?

Our Environmental and Regulatory Compliance course is here to provide practitioners with environment and regulatory overview and resources through the lens of an environmental professional, and is customized to the regulatory conditions and requirements of Newfoundland and Labrador.

This 1-day course includes the following modules:

  • Overview of the Regulatory Environment in NL: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the specific regulatory environment in Newfoundland and Labrador, encompassing legislation, provincial and federal regulatory agencies, environmental assessment processes, permitting frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and essential guidance documents.
  • Environmental Compliance Considerations for Projects: Receive insights into key compliance considerations for various project components such as exploration, mining, wind energy, and more. This module will cover topics including surveying, waste management, drilling, noise control, and contingency planning.
  • Environmental Management Systems: Acquire an introduction to environmental management systems and their role in enhancing organizational performance. Participants will learn about training, record management, inspections, objectives, policies, and the ISO 14000 standard.
  • Tools for Environmental and Regulatory Project Management: This module summarizes the previous sections, exploring specific tools and guides that facilitate seamless project management within the environmental and regulatory framework. These resources are available for digital download and will aid participants in effectively managing environmental projects.

Next Course Date

For a list of upcoming courses, check out our Events Calendar. If no dates for this course are scheduled and you would like to inquire about future offerings, please contact us.

Trainer Bio: Brian Taite, M.A.Sc., CRSP, P.Eng.

Brian is an accomplished and dedicated health, safety, environment & regulatory professional with over 30 years’ experience in the energy and mining sectors. Brian has been a consultant to several major mining and energy companies, government agencies and private industry for emergency preparedness and response, incident investigation, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, auditing, HSE planning and technical integrity assurance. Brian was educated at Memorial University and was admitted to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1992, Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering in 1994 and Master of Applied Science in Environmental Engineering in 1999. Brian has been associated with econext since the mid 1990’s, having worked as an environmental consultant for over a decade in Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2006 he expanded his career in asset management with Shell in the UK and the Netherlands for over five years. Returning to St. John’s he worked with AMEC (WSP) as a senior environmental engineer and was soon after seconded to Rio Tinto’s IOC mine in Labrador City for his first experience in the mining sector. In 2012 Brian continued his mining experience with Vale’s Long Harbour Processing Plant as Operations Environmental Supervisor. In 2014 Brian joined WorleyParsons to develop an Environmental Management System for Alderon’s Kami Mine project and soon after took on a role as Environment & Regulatory Manager for the ExxonMobil Hebron Topsides Project. In late 2017, Brian went back to consulting at Pinchin Ltd. as Team Leader, Environmental Due Diligence and Remediation. In 2020 he became SHE Coordinator for the Vale Voisey’s Bay Mine Expansion Project construction of two underground mines in northern Labrador. In 2021 Brian worked with HMDC/ExxonMobil as the Environment Advisor for the Hibernia offshore drilling and production platform. Most recently, in 2024 he joined the World Energy GH2 team as the Environmental Compliance Manager for Project Nujio’qonik, pioneering Canada’s wind to green hydrogen industry as part of the global energy transition to clean fuels.

 

econext and QUEST Canada working with the Town of Marystown to explore economic development opportunities through the lens of net zero

July 22, 2025

To identify opportunities to benefit more from local economic development, lower energy costs, a clean environment, and improved community resilience, the Town of Marystown will be working with econext as part of QUEST Canada’s Net-Zero Communities Accelerator (NCA) program.

“This program will include an analysis of how Marystown uses energy – from electricity to fuels,” says Sara Jafari, econext’s Community Sustainability Lead. “That information will help us to investigate opportunities for the town to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in ways that support its economic development priorities.”

Jafari says the project partners are looking for win-win initiatives that benefit both the economy and the environment.

“We are excited to work with the Town of Marystown,” says Jafari. “The environmental challenges and local economic opportunities that communities face are unique to each municipality,” she said. “Participation in the NCA program will provide a series of recommendations that are very specific to the town.”

econext is working with six (6) municipalities across the province in the delivery of QUEST Canada’s NCA program.

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“Marystown is excited to partner with econext and QUEST Canada on this important initiative. By exploring opportunities for net zero economic development, we’re taking a proactive approach to reducing our environmental footprint while supporting local economic growth and resilience. This project aligns with our vision for a sustainable future and we’re looking forward to seeing the recommendations that come out of it.”
Mayor Brian Keating, Town of Marystown

“Despite the uncertain times we now face across Canada, a clean environment is still key to the future of Canada’s economy. What the NCA program focuses on is the building of the necessary community foundations that ensure emissions reduction plans get implemented, over the short and long-term, by ensuring all relevant energy transition stakeholders are included throughout the process.”
Seth Leon – Manager, Community Energy & Projects, QUEST Canada

About the Net-Zero Communities Accelerator (NCA) Program

The NCA program leverages proven tools and services, equipping participating communities with the net-zero knowledge needed to develop and continuously implement an energy and emissions plan (CEEP). The program provides a robust suite of resources and guidance, enabling communities to attain the economic, environmental, and social benefits associated with the implementation of their CEEP.

About QUEST Canada

QUEST Canada supports communities in Canada on their pathway to net zero. Since 2007, facilitating connections, empowering community champions and advising decision-makers to implement energy use and emissions reduction solutions that best meet community needs, and maximize local economic opportunities. QUEST develops tools and resources, convenes stakeholders, and advises decision-makers – to encourage, assist and enable communities to contribute to and reach Canada’s net-zero goals. Visit: https://questcanada.org/.

About econext

econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. Visit: https://econext.ca/.

Media Contacts:

econext
Kieran Hanley, CEO
kieran@econext.ca

QUEST Canada
Donald Wiedman, Senior Lead, Communications
647 669 0461, dwiedman@questcanada.org

ESG Strategies and Tactics for SMEs

Are You Prepared to Lead with both Purpose and Profit in Mind?

In today’s fast-evolving market, leading companies are shifting to a new standard: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. ESG is more than a reporting framework; it’s a powerful tool that aligns profitability with sustainability and corporate responsibility. For CEOs, business leaders, and directors committed to staying at the forefront of their industries, embracing ESG practices is no longer optional—it’s essential. Join us in this course designed specifically for executives of Small to Medium sized Enterprises who are ready to join the next frontier of business leadership.

Why This ESG Course Is Essential for Business Leaders:

1. Gain a Clear Understanding of ESG
Learn the fundamentals of ESG and how it can drive sustainable growth in your business.

2. Set and Achieve ESG Targets
Evaluate your organization through an ESG lens, set meaningful goals, and track real progress.

3. Understand ESG Reporting
Create transparent, compelling reports that showcase your company’s commitment to responsible practices.

4. Stay Competitive
Understand the different models surrounding ESG that environmental industry firms can embrace to maximize benefits and minimize risks.

5. Connect with Like-Minded Leaders
Build valuable connections with other executives who are committed to forward-thinking, purpose-driven leadership.

Next Course Date

For a list of upcoming courses, check out our Events Calendar. If no dates for this course are scheduled and you would like to inquire about future offerings, please contact us.

Trainer Bio: Dr. Tom Cooper

Tom has significant consulting expertise with over twenty years’ experience in the field. He is currently a professor of Strategic Management at Memorial, teaching governance at a MBA level. Prior to taking his position at Memorial University, Tom worked as a senior manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Performance Improvement Consulting and advisory practice in the United Kingdom and was team leader of their Governance, Risk and Compliance Financial Services practice. Since returning to Newfoundland and Labrador he has worked with a wide range of clients across different sectors predominantly focusing on strategic planning, training, and performance improvement. He is a Certified Management Consultant and teaches on the ICD program out of Rotman in Toronto. He is the past Chair of Food First Newfoundland and Labrador and sits on their executive committee, past Chair of SmartICE, and currently the Public Representative on both the boards of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Newfoundland and Labrador as well as the Provincial Health Research Ethics Authority Board for Genetics.

Contaminated Sites Health & Safety Training (40-Hour Hazwoper)

econext annually conducts a 40-Hour HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations & Emergency Response) training course.

Course Details

Also known as the 40-hour Contaminated Sites course, this training is compliant with the requirements of the OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.120 HAZWOPER. Successful completion of the classroom and practical exercises will result in certification for the attendees. This certification is recognized in the US and Canada for work performed at uncontrolled waste sites.

This course focuses on understanding US and Canadian health and safety regulations and practices; hazmat recognition; PPE/CPC selection; decontamination procedures; spill control and containment; exposure monitoring; spill reporting and spill response planning. Practical exercises include level ‘A’ and ‘B’ responses to simulated hazmat incidents. Full exposure to realistic spill scenarios designed by instructors with over 40 years experience, will make this one of the best training courses you have ever participated in.

The HAZWOPER course is designed for hazardous waste clean up (remediation) workers, treatment, storage and disposal workers, emergency response personnel, health and safety staff and environmental consultants. Course content is compliant with 29 CFR 1910.120(e) which satisfies municipal, provincial and federal requirements for health and safety training for site workers at uncontrolled waste sites in the US and Canada.

The 40 Hour Contaminated Sites Health & Safety Training (40 Hour HAZWOPER) meets the mandatory requirements of the OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.120(e) which also satisfies the requirements of Public Works and Government Services Canada and Defence Construction Canada.

Next Course Date

For a list of upcoming courses, check out our Events Calendar. If no dates for this course are scheduled and you would like to inquire about future offerings, please contact us.

Contaminated Sites Health & Safety Refresher (8-Hour Hazwoper)

econext annually conducts an 8-Hour HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations & Emergency Response) refresher training course. This course is for anyone who has completed an OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER training course or the 8 Hour Refresher within the last two (2) years.

Course Details

Also known as the 8-hour Contaminated Sites course, this training is compliant with the requirements of the OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.120 HAZWOPER. Successful completion of the classroom and practical exercises will result in certification for the attendees. This certification is recognized in the US and Canada for work performed at uncontrolled waste sites. DCC and PWGSC are now requiring contractors to have this certification to qualify for some tenders involving hazmat. Course content is compliant with 29 CFR 1910.120(e) which satisfies municipal, provincial and federal requirements for health and safety training for site workers at uncontrolled waste sites in the US and Canada.

This course is for anyone who has completed an OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER training course or the 8-Hour Refresher within the last two (2) years. A copy of your current certificate must be submitted to econext in advance of training.

Next Course Date

For a list of upcoming courses, check out our Events Calendar. If no dates for this course are scheduled and you would like to inquire about future offerings, please contact us.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydrogen Innovation Partnership formed


For Immediate Release
July 16 , 2025

econext has announced the formation of the Newfoundland and Labrador Hydrogen Innovation Partnership – HyIP.

The collaboration – featuring econext, College of the North Atlantic, Memorial University, Fisheries and Marine Institute, Miawpukek First Nation, and Qalipu First Nation – centralizes efforts to help econext advance strategic clean energy research and investment attraction for the province.

“We believe that Canada is primed to be a global leader in hydrogen production, and Newfoundland and Labrador is going to be central to transatlantic hydrogen trade with Europe,” said Kieran Hanley, econext’s CEO. “The purpose of our collaboration is to highlight the advantages that our province has in this regard, and to attract interest and investment to support targeted international research, development, and innovation.”

Hanley notes that HyIP is a unique collaboration between research institutions, industry, and Indigenous groups. Given the export-focused nature of the emerging industry, he says that a focus on innovation will help maximize local benefits.

“Central to our partnership is a commitment to do what we can together to ensure communities within our province contribute to – and benefit from – clean energy developments in our province,” he said.

The collaborators have launched a website (https://hy-ip.ca/) that describes the growing clean energy industry in Canada’s most eastern province and outlines its relevant R&D capabilities and assets.

HyIP will be hosting a hydrogen research and innovation conference on October 10, 2025 in St. John’s, NL directly following the econext annual conference on October 9.

“Our event will focus on the use of hydrogen and other clean fuels for the decarbonization of the marine transportation sector,” said Hanley, noting the importance of the sector in supporting the province’s oceans-based industries and transatlantic trade.

More information on the conference will be available soon on the HyIP website.

Media Contact:

Kieran Hanley

kieran@econext.ca

About econext

econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities.

econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.