econext 2024-25 Annual Report now available!

econext is pleased to announce the publication of its 2024-25 Annual Report.

It is been an incredibly productive year for the association. We hope that you take some time to read about all that the Board and Staff of econext have accomplished through 2024-25.

As always, your feedback on our work is always welcome. Do not hesitate to contact our staff with any questions or comments that you have.

Read the Report

2025-27 Board of Directors Candidates

econext‘s Board of Directors provide direction and support to the organization’s staff in their work to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The following five (5) candidates, in alphabetical order by last name, have been nominated for a total of five (5) positions:

  • Laurie Coady
  • Joshua Barrett
  • Kristina Kearney
  • Heather Murphy
  • Dave Pinsent

Nominee bios follow below.


Laurie Coady

Chief Financial Officer, North Atlantic

Biography:

Laurie Coady, CPA/CMA, is a strategic, collaborative, and results-oriented leader with over 25 years of experience in energy, education and financial services in Newfoundland and Labrador and throughout Canada. She has an extensive background in corporate finance, commercial negotiations and risk management and a deep knowledge of the province’s energy industry.

Currently, as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at North Atlantic, Laurie oversees all the financial and technology-related activities for the network of residential, commercial, and wholesale business divisions while supporting its long-term renewables strategy. Laurie’s depth of experience across various finance disciplines, combined with her energy industry knowledge are key to driving North Atlantic’s operational acumen and delivering sustainable growth. While maintaining robust financial strength for North Atlantic’s ongoing business, Laurie will play a key role as the company advances its position at the forefront of the integrated renewable energy sector.

Prior to joining North Atlantic, Laurie held senior finance and commercial positions within the energy sector, including ExxonMobil Canada and the Oil and Gas Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador. In these roles, Laurie led major initiatives in areas such as offshore crude marketing and transportation, acquisitions, joint venture negotiations and system and control implementations.

In addition to her CPA/CMA designation, Laurie has an MBA from Queen’s University, and her Bachelor of Commerce (Co-operative) degree is from Memorial University. Laurie has been actively involved in volunteer activities with several non-profit organizations including the Writers Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Avalon Minor Hockey Association and the Newfoundland and Labrador Lacrosse Association.

Laurie is currently a member of the Audit Committee with the Canadian Kennel Club, a position she has held since 2019.


Joshua Barrett

Environmental Specialist and Project Manager, Hatch

Biography:

Dr. Joshua Barrett is Team Lead, Environmental Services at Stantec Consulting Ltd., a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. In this role, he leads the Newfoundland and Labrador environmental assessment and permitting team, which have been supporting sustainable development of resource and industrial projects in the province for more than 30 years. Josh is a subject matter expert in socioeconomics, where he leads research and permitting in the areas of community and economic impacts.

Josh completed his PhD in Rural Studies from the University of Guelph, where his research focused on public policy and rural development, and the various ways local governments can improve the socioeconomic conditions of their communities. Working in Newfoundland and Labrador, Josh has a strong knowledge of the economic conditions of rural communities, and their history with both renewable and non-renewable natural resources. His research has indicated the potential for innovative economic development strategies in rural Newfoundland and Labrador as well as across Canada, particularly pertaining to opportunities related to the green economy. He is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Prince Edward Island and teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses at the University of Prince Edward Island and Memorial University of Newfoundland Beyond his work, research, and teaching, Josh has served as Councillor At-Large for the Town of Conception Bay South, Newfoundland and Labrador, since 2021. With a population of more than 27,000, Conception Bay South is the second-largest municipality in the province and has an annual budget of approximately $42 million. Since being elected, Josh has served on various Committees of Council, ranging from Finance and Administration to Planning and Development, and has chaired the Recreation and Services Committee since 2024.

Josh’s governance experience also extends to the non-profit sector. In 2023, he was appointed President of the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation.  The Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF) was established in 1989 to contribute to the revitalization and sustainability of rural Canada through collaborative research for rural leaders in the community, private sector, and in all levels of government. CRRF works to create credible insights and to improve our understanding of issues and opportunities that are of common interest to rural residents across Canada. Knowledge and better understanding are the fundamental pillars for the welfare of rural communities and environments. CRRF is an organization comprised of members from across Canada, with diverse international links, representing rural leaders, rural organizations, development practitioners, government policy makers, researchers, students, and other stakeholders interested in the future of rural Canada.

As a province, we’re at a critical point. In 2025, we will have three elections – municipal, provincial, and federal – paired with a significant transition at econext with a change in CEO. Through it all, I believe there is an opportunity for continued advocacy and promotion from econext about issues that are important to its members. As a province, we need to remain competitive globally as we pursue economic diversification opportunities while maintaining environmental sustainability. Climate change is one of the biggest challenges our province face, and econext has a relevant role in supporting our communities to adapt to climate changes while promoting ways to support clean growth. Newfoundland and Labrador has an abundance of resources that have value to global markets, whether its critical minerals or wind energy, and I am confident econext will continue supporting the development of these emerging industries. I believe that, collectively, we need to grow in unison, and that econext has a role to support transitions in the labour market as these industries continue to grow. Lastly, I am a strong believer of the prosperity of rural Newfoundland and Labrador, and I look forward to focusing on ways we can continue to build strong relationships and partnerships with organizations in rural areas so that they are better equipped to experience socioeconomic success that comes with the potential of accelerating clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.


Kristina Kearney

Business Development/HR Consultant – Waterford Energy Services

Biography:

Kristina has demonstrated experience in staffing and recruiting in our energy sector globally for over 15 years. Kristina has been connecting qualified candidates to major developing projects with proactive personnel planning on behalf of our clients in Marine, Mining and Oil & Gas.  Most of her career has been focused on Offshore Drilling and Exploration operations. She has a strong passion in being a part of candidates personal and professional growth in a new position. Her expertise was recognized when she won 9th Top Recruiter Award (2020) from Top Recruiter was the only candidate recognized in Eastern Canada. She also placed 11th in North America with Top Recruiter in 2021.

I am truly humbled to put myself forward as a candidate for the Econext Board of Directors. I feel that it is my time to do my part for an organization that has strongly influenced my career path in our energy sector. Without the support, connections and exposure that Econext has provided its members many of us wouldn’t see the relationships and knowledge in the sector as we do today.

Currently, I am the Business Development Manager for Waterford Energy Services., a local engineering and advisory service firm as ocean energy experts. In this role, I have gained great experience and exposure globally to the energy industry’s activities, including onshore engineering, offshore operations, renewables, regulatory, environment and compliance requirements. I have demonstrated experience in staffing and recruiting in our energy sector globally for over 15 years and have had the pleasure in connecting qualified candidates to major developing projects with proactive personnel planning on behalf of our clients in non-renewables and renewable energy.

I also served as President of our 35+ year-old Business Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (BANL) for 2 years, participated in various not-for-profit committees and lead local initiatives, such as LYNK (connecting young professionals in business) and the Narrows Club (past division of the Canadian Progress Club). I have also stat on the Board of Directors for Women in Resource and Development and Big Brothers Big Sisters. I hold a strong passion in being a part of candidates personal and professional growth in a new position. My expertise was recognized when I won 9th Top Recruiter Award (2020) from Top Recruiter was the only candidate recognized in Eastern Canada and also placed 11th in North America with Top Recruiter in 2021.

I dedicate my time to support our energy sectors across Newfoundland and Labrador and am an advocate for developing its full potential. I am committed to helping our post-secondary and high-school students to appreciate our energy industry, by promoting the incredible opportunities and jobs that are upcoming and in demand. You can find me in classrooms and panels across the province, teaching our students about what’s possible- right here at home. I have a passion for connecting people of this province with opportunities for personal and career growth to better our economy.

Our perspectives are relevant to our industry. That’s what I want to achieve above anything – a greater and more inclusive bond between the incredible leaders in our industry today, and the ones of tomorrow, like me, who want to move their legacy forward.


Heather Murphy

Director – Aquatic Resources, SEM Ltd.

Biography:

Heather has 16 years experience in the environmental sector in both regulatory and consulting roles. Her career started as an environmental assessment technical reviewer and salmon habitat restoration coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources in New Brunswick. Since then, Heather has experience working as a consultant in environmental regulatory compliance and permitting for projects ranging from mining, renewable energy, offshore oil and gas and large-scale transmission projects both locally and internationally. Her technical expertise lies in freshwater aquatic biology and permitting/regulatory compliance surrounding environmental assessment and all associated acts.

Heather spent 8 years as a consultant on the Lower Churchill Project with the environment and regulatory compliance team. Heather’s role as a permit coordinator involved obtaining permits and navigating (very public) environmental constraints for both Muskrat Falls and the Labrador-Island Link. In addition to permits coordinator, Heather also served as an environmental coordinator for all on-site environmental monitors during construction and acted as a liaison between the project and regulatory agencies.

Since working with SEM, Heather has managed and executed several projects for operating mines in the province including IOC’s Carol Mine, Vale’s Voisey’s Bay Mine and Tacora’s Scully Mine. Heather has also worked with several mining companies on the island of Newfoundland including Envirogold’s Buchans River Delta Rehabilitation Project, Matador’s Cape Ray Exploration Project and Marathon’s Valentine Gold Project. The scope of these projects ranged from reducing reliance on diesel through wind energy implementation, completing Schedule 2 Amendments under the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations, stakeholder consultations, aquatic baseline studies, overall project environmental assessment/permitting and more. Besides several mining clients, Heather has also contributed to projects for Growler Energy on several of their renewable projects and recently for NL Hydro on their Bay D’Espoir Unit 8 expansion project.


David Pinsent

Environment and Sustainability Manager, World Energy GH2

Biography:

David was born and raised in Newfoundland and Labrador and completed Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Marine Biology at Memorial. He started his career as an environmental scientist after 5 years in fisheries research. He worked for 14 years as an environmental consultant conducting and managing environmental assessments and environmental effects monitoring programs for various industries in the province. The subsequent 11 years were spent in the oil and gas industry as an environmental and regulatory advisor. During that time, David served on several advisory committees related to environmental effects monitoring including IAAC’s Regional Assessment Follow-up Committee for Exploratory Drilling Offshore NL, CAPP’s Environment and Sustainability Committee, IPIECA’s Operating in the Marine Environment Task Force and the CSA’s committee to develop a standard for oil and gas operations in the Arctic. In 2021, David took on the role of Policy and Regulatory Lead with the Net Zero Project, where he studied and reported on the regulatory and policy frameworks for emissions reduction and pathways to net-zero within the offshore energy industry. For more than a decade, David has been a trusted resource for industry, during opportunities for engagement with government and in formulating advocacy positions around environmental policy and environmental assessment legislation. David is currently the Environment and Sustainability Manager with World Energy GH2, where is responsible for the environmental assessment, compliance, and monitoring for project Nujio’qonik. In his current role, David is also supporting an understanding of the regulatory framework of the hydrogen and wind energy in Newfoundland and Labrador. In his spare time, David enjoys cooking, hiking and salmon fishing.


econext elects 2025-27 Board of Directors

For Immediate Release
April 30, 2025

econext is holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) during the week of May 1-7, 2025. The AGM featured the election of its Board of Directors.

Newly elected members of the Board of Directors include:

  • Joshua Barrett (Stantec)
  • Laurie Coady (North Atlantic)
  • Kristina Kearney (Waterford Energy Services)
  • Heather Murphy (SEM Ltd.)
  • Dave Pinsent (World Energy GH2)

These Directors join:

  • Alex Templeton (Chair – McInnes Cooper)
  • Jennifer Crane (Corner Brook Port Corporation)
  • Shem Evans (Hatch)
  • Krista Langthorne (Newfoundland Power)

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 https://econext.ca/.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@econext.ca

Net Zero Community Accelerator (NCA) Energy Mapping & CEEP Workshop – Stephenville


Location: Stephenville
Date: May 14, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (local time)

As part of the Net Zero Community Accelerator (NCA) Project with partnership with QUEST Canada, this full-day, in-person workshop will focus on:

  • Mapping current community-wide energy use and greenhouse gas emissions
  • Identifying opportunities for energy efficiency and emissions reduction
  • Laying the groundwork for a Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP)
  • Exploring local strategies to support clean growth and net-zero targets

This session will bring together municipal staff, local stakeholders, and community organizations to support Stephenville’s transition toward a more sustainable, climate-resilient future. Additional details, including venue information, will be shared as they are confirmed.

For more information, please contact Sara Jafari at mailto:sara@econext.ca.

Net Zero Community Accelerator (NCA) Energy Mapping & CEEP Workshop – Corner Brook


Location: Corner Brook
Date: May 13, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (local time)

As part of the Net Zero Community Accelerator (NCA) Project with partnership with QUEST Canada, this full-day, in-person workshop will focus on:

  • Mapping current community-wide energy use and greenhouse gas emissions
  • Identifying opportunities for energy efficiency and emissions reduction
  • Laying the groundwork for a Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP)
  • Exploring local strategies to support clean growth and net-zero targets

This session will bring together municipal staff, local stakeholders, and community organizations to support Corner Brook’s pathway toward a low-carbon, sustainable future. More details, including the confirmed venue, will be shared as they become available.

For more information, please contact Sara Jafari at mailto:sara@econext.ca.

Executive Job Search Launched for econext’s new CEO

Chief Executive Officer, econext

St. John’s, NL

econext is seeking a dynamic, people-focused Chief Executive Officer to build on its legacy of fostering sustainable economic development. This is an exciting opportunity for a values-driven, relationship-oriented leader to influence meaningful change while leading a mission-driven team in a modern, collaborative work environment.

About econext

econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. For over 30 years, the organization has advanced environmentally sustainable economic development by stimulating innovation, preparing the workforce for a green economy, and catalyzing climate action across industries and communities.

As a trusted voice on green growth, econext supports a membership that spans energy, waste, natural resources, research, and innovation sectors. Its downtown St. John’s headquarters offers a flexible, co-working environment that fosters connection and creativity. More information can be found at https://econext.ca/.

The Role

The province is at a pivotal moment for clean growth and the new CEO will play a central role in shaping the future of the province’s green economy. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will champion a bold vision that supports innovation, sustainability, and economic development across sectors. They are responsible for the overall success of the organization by providing strategic leadership, planning oversight and stewardship for all aspects of the organization’s finances and operations. They oversee all operations, functions, and activities of the organization and are responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization, according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors.

They work collaboratively with the Board and staff team to navigate ongoing planning and development, member relations, and partnerships, positioning the econext and the NL sustainable economy for long-term success and stability. The CEO acts as the figurehead of the organization and works closely with government, local businesses, and other industry stakeholders, acting as an advocate for sustainability and the environment.

Key Areas of Oversight

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Stewardship
Provides strategic and operational leadership of the organization with oversight from the Board of Directors. Ensures the alignment of programs and initiatives with econext’s vision and mandate and cultivates a strong and collaborative organizational culture.

External & Government Relations
Builds and maintains trusted relationships with a broad range of stakeholders including government officials, industry leaders, members, and community partners. Serves as a proactive and credible spokesperson, able to advocate for policy solutions, funding, and strategic alignment that support clean growth.

Public Profile & Communications
Leads proactive and responsive media engagement, speaking to the successes, challenges, and priorities of the organization. Uses storytelling and communications strategy to amplify econext’s profile provincially, nationally, and internationally.

Team & Culture Development
Leads and empowers a team of 13 staff in a flexible, collaborative, and modern workplace culture. Creates a sense of shared ownership, trust, and motivation while supporting professional development, autonomy, and high retention.

Programming & Core Operation
Oversees annual programming including major events (conference, AGM, industry awards), board relations, HR, finance, and operational processes. Pursues emerging opportunities for impact, while maintaining a member-focused approach to service delivery.

The Ideal Candidate

You are a high-integrity, community-oriented leader with the ability to connect, communicate, and inspire. Known for your authenticity, energy, and ability to build relationships, you thrive in public and professional settings—from networking events and media interviews to team meetings and strategic planning sessions. You bring a strong sense of ownership and accountability, with a preference for proactive leadership, not politics. You have demonstrated your ability to lead people, navigate complexity, and deliver results in your past work. You are highly organized and adaptable, and you thrive in modern, flexible work environments. While experience in the green economy or economic development is not required, a passion for sustainable progress is essential.

Qualifications and Experience

While the Search Committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all qualifications in equal measure, those listed below are desirable and will be used to compare candidates.

  • A university degree and at least 10 years of progressive leadership experience.
  • Demonstrated success in team leadership, relationship-building, and strategic communications.
  • Experience engaging with government, media, and other public-facing stakeholders.
  • A collaborative leadership style, grounded in transparency, humility, and vision.

Skills and Attributes

  • A purpose-driven leader who is energized by networking and engaging with people at meetings and events.
  • Exceptional communication and relational skills, able to quickly build trusting relationships.
  • Decisiveness combined with a facilitative style, leading with integrity and creativity, and sound judgment.
  • Superior skill in strategic financial and organizational management.
  • Excellent communication skills – able to seamlessly translate complex information for different audiences.
  • A “pitch in” kind of leader who supports and empowers their team.

Why Join econext?

  • Competitive salary
  • Employer-matched RSP (up to 6% of salary)
  • Benefits and insurance package, including flexible options
  • Cell phone and expense allowances
  • Paid vacation (20 days), personal leave (7 days), holidays (15+), and extended year-end break
  • Flexible, modern co-working office in downtown St. John’s

econext is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women; people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; Indigenous peoples; visible minorities/racialized people; and people with disabilities.

We will provide support and accommodations to applicants with disabilities, upon request. If you need accommodation to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to the recruitment professional named in the job description.

If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Michelle Doyle at mdoyle@kbrs.ca or Dr. Jennie Massey at jmassey@kbrs.ca or submit your full application package online by clicking the button below.

Learn More & Apply

econext publishes discussion paper exploring clean fuels adoption opportunities in NL

For Immediate Release
April 11, 2025

econext has released an analysis which narrows in on opportunities for domestic clean fuels use in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Whether it’s using hydrogen, renewable diesel, or other low-carbon fuels – there are considerable environmental and economic benefits to be had for our province,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO.

“The objective of this discussion paper is to advance our collective understanding of the potential scale of those benefits and continue to progress these important conversations,” said Colin Corbett, econext‘s Director of Clean Energy Innovation. Corbett said the paper explores clean fuels use in a number of sectors such as freight transportation, marine transportation, electricity production, and heavy industry. “Understanding the potential demand for low-carbon fuels will help us to prioritize next steps.”

Download Discussion Paper

“The clean energy opportunity in front of Newfoundland and Labrador is tremendous. From major wind-to-hydrogen projects to large hydroelectric developments, we are on the verge of significant green economic growth in our province,” said Hanley. “But we do need to walk the talk and adopt the same clean energy technologies that we are looking to export.”

Hanley said that clean fuels are widely recognized as being key in the global fight against climate change. “The importance of clean fuels in NL’s future became clear to me in my role as Chair of the province’s Net Zero Advisory Council,” said Hanley, adding “there are many financial and logistical considerations at play, and this is just step one of many to better understand and articulate them.”

Corbett encouraged readers to send their feedback on the research findings to econext in the spirit of continuous improvement. “Throughout May and June we will be hosting a series of stakeholder workshops to communicate sector-level findings and gather insights how the analysis can be improved.”

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 https://econext.ca/.

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Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley, CEO
kieran@econext.ca

Kieran Hanley stepping down as econext CEO

For Immediate Release
April 9, 2025

After over 8 years, Kieran Hanley is stepping down as econext‘s CEO.

“Our team has achieved a great deal in these past years, and this role has been the opportunity of a lifetime for me,” said Hanley. “econext is in an excellent position in every respect, and I know it is the right time to hand the keys over to someone who can bring new energy and fresh ideas to the table to take the organization to a whole next level.”

“On behalf of the Board I can say that, while we regret losing Kieran as CEO, we fully support the decision that he has made to take on a new role,” said Alex Templeton, econext‘s Chair. Templeton noted that Hanley will remain with the organization in the newly created position of Chief Economic Development Officer. “We are pleased that Kieran will be staying on to lead a number of special projects and ensure a smooth transition for our new CEO.”

Hanley, who will remain CEO until a replacement has been selected, said that his successor will have an exciting job ahead of them. “The future is very bright for Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy; the opportunities are as endless as they are significant – and econext‘s CEO will play an important role in that.”

“I’m very thankful to econext‘s members who have supported my work, to the Board who took a chance on me back in 2016 (and have stood behind me ever since), past and present staff who have worked hard with me to grow this organization, and the countless colleagues, partners, and mentors that I have learned so much from these past years.”

During Hanley’s tenure as CEO the organization experienced a period of sustained growth. In this time, econext’s budget grew by a factor of 10, its staff complement more than tripled, and the breadth of scope of its activities expanded. A major re-branding effort in 2021 refocused the organization’s priorities under a new long-term strategic plan which focuses on innovation, workforce development, and the pursuit of net zero.

Templeton said econext’s Board of Directors has formed a Search Committee and has secured KBRS to commence the executive search. “We will be releasing the job advertisement in the near future.”

“We have a very strong team in place. I am proud of each and every one of my staff who are accomplishing a great deal for Newfoundland and Labrador; the organization is in excellent hands,” said Hanley.

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/.

Electricity demand is rising, and supply decisions must be thorough but swift, says econext

For Immediate Release
April 8, 2025

econext is highlighting the importance of electricity grid stakeholders working proactively together to ensure decision-making is as efficient as it can be.

“Electricity demand is rising in Newfoundland and Labrador – and quickly,” said Kieran Hanley, CEO of econext. “Meanwhile, our electricity system is becoming more complex and we expect this to accelerate in the years ahead.”

Hanley says that decision-makers are facing increasing pressures from decarbonization efforts through electrification, major industrial project developments, and new technologies. “As Chair of the province’s Net Zero Advisory Council, I got a glimpse of what Newfoundland and Labrador’s grid is going to encounter in the years ahead,” he said. “We are going to be faced with demands and opportunities more frequently, in greater variety, and with more urgency.”

Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean electricity grid – derived from over 90% renewable resources – is highly attractive to international investors and industries looking to produce low-carbon products said Hanley. “This is a powerful economic development asset for the province and we need to protect it and nurture it.” Hanley said it would be unfortunate if the province had to turn away new businesses and manufacturing because it is not able to supply electricity.

Hanley said that all of these factors point to the importance of stakeholders working together to ensure that decision-making processes are as efficient as possible. “From energy storage to big industrial projects that have grid tie-in to AI-integrated infrastructure – we need to make sure we are prepared for these things.”

“None of this is to suggest our analysis can be any less thorough – we’ve learned that lesson,” said Hanley, noting that thorough does not have to mean long. “Our decision-making needs to be robust, but it also needs to be swift and decisive. Let’s think about what we need to do – together – to accomplish this.”

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 https://econext.ca/.

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Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley, CEO
kieran@econext.ca

Town of Stephenville exploring economic development through the pursuit of net zero with econext and QUEST Canada

For Immediate Release
April 2, 2025

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

“We are excited to work with the Town of Stephenville on this initiative,” says Sara Jafari, econext’s Community Sustainability Lead, noting that the program will include an analysis of how the municipality uses energy as a whole – from electricity to fuels. “We will use this information to investigate actual options for the town to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, in ways that align with its economic development priorities.”

Sara emphasizes the environmental challenges and local economic opportunities that communities face are unique to each municipality. “Participation in the NCA program will provide a series of recommendations that are integrated with the plans of the Town of Stephenville, and in tune with the future growth of energy resources and consumption in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

econext is working with six (6) municipalities across the province in the delivery of QUEST Canada’s NCA program. Municipalities interested in partnership with econext can connect with Sara Jafari at sara@econext.ca.

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“The Town of Stephenville is committed to an eco-friendly future. By working with econext and participating in the NCA program, we are reducing our carbon footprint and supporting economic growth and stability for our community.”
Mayor Tom Rose, Town of Stephenville

“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