Author: kieran

econext supports Government of Canada decision on Bay du Nord – and policy to ensure oil and gas projects are best-in-class

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
April 7, 2022

econext is expressing its support for the decision made yesterday by Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change to accept the Impact Assessment Agency’s recommendations on the proposed Bay du Nord project.

“We recognize that finding the right balance between environment and economy can be difficult,” said Kieran Hanley, CEO of econext. “In this case we think that the right decision was made.”

Canada is the fourth largest producer of oil and gas in the world. Hanley said that the country has a responsibility to push the boundaries of technology and processes to ensure that what is produced is the most environmentally sound as is possible. “The Bay du Nord project represents a step-change in greenhouse gas emissions intensity for oil projects in Canada, and will help drive cleantech development in Newfoundland and Labrador in the years ahead.”

“We are supportive of Canada’s announcement yesterday that oil and gas projects will be expected to feature best-in-class environmental standards and demonstrate pathways to reaching net zero by the year 2050,” said Hanley, noting this is in line with econext‘s position and the objectives of its Net Zero Project.

econext is an association of businesses that accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador and works on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

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Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
CEO
kieran@econext.ca

Announcements setting the stage for clean energy growth in Newfoundland and Labrador

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
April 5, 2022

Two announcements in Newfoundland and Labrador today are helping to set the stage for clean energy industry growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.

First, the province’s Minister of Industry, Energy, and Technology announced an end to the moratorium on wind development.

“The wind moratorium was a barrier that needed to be removed immediately in order to allow for clean energy development in this province,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. “We were very pleased to see the Minister commit to this action today, as it sends an important signal to industry and investors that the door is opening for new renewable energy projects in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Last Fall econext submitted to the provincial government a series of specific recommendations for consideration in the development of Newfoundland and Labrador’s renewable energy plan – a plan that was released in December.

Click here to download econext‘s recommendations.

“We are very encouraged by the speed at which the government is moving on the actions it committed to in its renewable energy plan,” said Hanley. “If we can continue progressing and building momentum at this rate, Newfoundland and Labrador will be able to realize its clean energy potential.”

The second announcement today was that the offshore petroleum regulator was expanding its mandate to include offshore renewable energy. In addition, Environment and Climate Change is initiating a regional assessment under the Impact Assessment Act for wind energy in Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore.

“Newfoundland and Labrador has some of the best offshore wind resources in the world,” said Hanley, noting that an important enabling condition for clean growth is the implementation of a regulatory framework that will support it. “The expansion of the offshore regulator’s mandate is another proactive step that will open the door to new opportunities.”

econext is an association of businesses that accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador and works on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley, CEO
kieran@econext.ca

econext CEO responds to Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction plan

Posted on by kieran

econext‘s CEO Kieran Hanley joined the VOCM Morning Show on March 31, 2022 to discuss Newfoundland and Labrador’s opportunities as they relate to Canada’s recently released 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.

econext · econext CEO responds to Canada's 2030 emissions reduction plan

Introduction to Cyber Defense

Posted on by kieran

April 13, 2022 – April 14, 2022

Learn about the fundamentals of Information Technology Security and understand how to recognize cyber threats and vulnerabilities so that you can implement an effective IT Security defense.

This introduction to cyber defense is a fast-paced way to get up to speed on IT security. This entry-level track takes a combined light technical and high-level view of business challenges and solutions for practical IT security goals, providing a solid foundation for those new to their role in cyber security. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of IT security defense, vulnerabilities and modern threat types, security team roles, and approaches for today’s active IT security defense.

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Understand a brief history of hacking
  • Identify the foundational controls of Information Technology Security
  • Recognize modern cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and exploits
  • Apply knowledge on how IT attacks are carried out and mitigated
  • Navigate recent cyber-attack case studies for key lessons learned
  • Be prepared to orchestrate a defense in depth IT Security program

Continuing Education Contact Hours: 14

This course has been endorsed by techNL as a valuable professional development option for member organizations.

Learn more and register here

Centre of Excellence in healthcare cybersecurity at Eastern Health (COE) – Skills Development Feedback request

Posted on by kieran

Background

Eastern Health is undertaking ground-breaking work to create a Healthcare Cyber Security Center of Excellence (COE) to secure healthcare digital assets in the face of growing cyber threats and increased global demand for digital health services.

The COE is a ‘first of its kind’ concept that addresses the challenge of cybersecurity in healthcare systems through an investment in technological capacity, an integrated approach to deployment, and a systematic approach to knowledge transfer and development of local skills and innovative capacity.

Thus, this investment is expected to result in spillover benefits in innovation, education/skills development and, overall, in the province’s economic development. The COE is not intended to only identify and address current technological gaps in healthcare cybersecurity but will be a means to address multiple associated needs inherent in cybersecurity across the provincial economy. Thus, there will be a positive spillover effect on the economy of the province and the region.

This is a mission focused, game-changing approach with global impact. Since 2018, Eastern Health has facilitated strategic discussions with Israel’s world-leading cyber ecosystem as well as other global and local innovation partners to develop, refine, and promote a new approach to healthcare cybersecurity.

At the heart of this new approach, creating a cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (COE) proposes a change in how healthcare IT systems finance the security of digital assets by addressing this through innovation and regional economic development policy. The COE is a first of its kind concept that meets the challenges of cybersecurity in healthcare systems through:

  • An investment in technological capacity.
  • An integrated approach to deployment.
  • A systematic approach to knowledge transfer and development of local skills and innovative capacity.
  • Expected spillover benefits in the province’s economic development.
  • Building local skills and technology capacity.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s education, training, and skills development ecosystem will benefit from:

  • Our colleges and universities becoming centres of multidisciplinary courseware in cyber-health.
  • Our education system producing graduates with sought-after technical skills.
  • The COE as an epicentre of healthcare cybersecurity specialized training.
  • The COE focusing on knowledge transfer, offering opportunities for the province’s youth.

Status

The planned Centre of Excellence in healthcare cybersecurity at Eastern Health (COE) will bring specific opportunities for skills development that can meet the cybersecurity needs of NL companies. While these skills will initially be developed in the context of healthcare cybersecurity, they will also be readily applicable to cybersecurity issues in other sectors within the digital economy. In that context, we hope you will be able to answer some or all of the following questions:

A – What cybersecurity skills gaps do you foresee over the next 2-5 years in your specific sector of the economy and for your company?

B – What areas of cyber security skills specialties (eg: monitoring & design, incident response, penetration testing, threat intel & forensics, cloud security, etc.) are needed and could be addressed through the COE capabilities?

C – Can you prioritize the needs in terms of timing? ( ie: when will shortages become critical?)

D – Any other ideas for skills development in the cybersecurity and / or IT space?

E – How can the COE’s Management Team best ensure integrating with the local high tech community, thus maximizing its relevance to the community needs?

Feedback is due before Wednesday, 20 April, 2022.

All returns can be send to paul.ryan@mi.mun.ca

Atlantic Environmental Training & On-Site Services Inc.

Posted on by kieran

Providing environmental health and safety training today for a safer and healthier tomorrow.

Atlantic Environmental Training and On-Site Services Inc. (AET) is a Nova Scotia company with over forty years of experience in regulatory compliance, environmental training and project management of environmental issues. Areas of expertise include:

  • EMS development & implementation
  • Development and implementation of environmental training courses
  • HAZWOPER certification/training
  • Environmental auditing including ISO 14000 series audits
  • Hazardous waste management including PCB wastes
  • Environmental health and safety planning
  • Pollution prevention and sustainable development
  • Conducting of environmental assessments
  • Environmental project management
  • Provision of services Canada wide

Staff certifications include Environmental Auditor (ISO 14000), EMS Lead Auditor, NETA Environmental Trainer (USA), NFPA 472, Environmental Technician (SCETTNS), DFO Certification in Engineering & Aquatic Environments & TDGA and WHMIS Trainer.

econext, City of St. John’s working together to explore options for helping homeowners finance energy efficiency retrofits

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
March 28, 2022

econext and the City of St. John’s have joined forces to bring other municipal and non-municipal partners together to explore the potential for new programming to help homeowners finance energy efficiency retrofits.

“While we know that a wide variety of energy efficiency retrofits can pay off even over a short period of time, the up-front costs associated with them continues to be a barrier for some homeowners,” said Kieran Hanley, Executive Director of econext. “It is beyond the means of many individuals and families to make those purchases today, even if it means savings tomorrow.”

“We are excited to be partnering with the City of St. John’s to explore what might be possible in terms of programming to address this challenge locally, and to work with other municipal partners to find what can work throughout Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Hanley. Hanley notes creative approaches exist in other jurisdictions that might be replicated in this province. These approaches leverage local, provincial, and federal funds to realize a benefit for the residents.

“In other jurisdictions homeowners can access low-interest loans, borrow from their future savings, combine multiple grants, or even borrow from the expected increase in their home’s value that results from investing into energy efficiency measures,” said Hanley.

“These programs are seeing high uptake and federal funding in other parts of Canada, and we want to conceptualize what is possible here at home.” The collaboration between econext and the City of St. John’s will evaluate municipal programming that exists in other jurisdictions, explore their applicability within the local context, and then structure a proposed program for Newfoundland and Labrador that can scale with municipalities.

“Our goal in this partnership is to address gaps in programming and reduce long-term household energy poverty by leveraging funding from other levels of government and matching those funds directly with homeowners who need it,” said Councillor Ian Froude, Council lead for Sustainability. “The upfront costs of installing a heat pump, or insulating a basement, for example, is often out of reach for residents on a fixed income. The City of St. John’s can play a bigger role in helping residents access funding to cover these upfront costs, and that’s what this partnership is all about.”

Home heating is a major contributor to the province’s greenhouse gas emissions. “Increased energy efficiency retrofit activity will reduce our overall greenhouse gas emissions and put the province on a better path to reaching net zero by 2050,” said Hanley. For electric heated homes, retrofits will help build resiliency in and increase the reliability of the province’s electricity grid, helping to keep rates from rising.

Hanley said a program would help grow the clean economy. “Increasing energy efficiency across the board will create new green jobs and business opportunities in every corner of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

econext is an association of businesses that accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador and works on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

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Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@econext.ca

Celebrating 25 Years – Newfoundland Power Announces EnviroFest 2022

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release // March 21, 2022

(St. John’s, NL): Newfoundland Power and its employees are celebrating 25 years of EnviroFest, the cornerstone of their employee-driven, community-based Environmental Commitment Program. Newfoundland Power is pleased to announce it is now accepting proposals for EnviroFest 2022. These annual grants encourage sustainability and positive environmental action by assisting community-minded organizations or groups with their environmentally friendly projects in communities across the province.

“It is with great pride that we look back over the past 25 years and the difference our employees have made in communities all across our province, from Port aux Basques to St. John’s, and everywhere in between,” says Gary Murray, President and Chief Executive Officer, Newfoundland Power. “We have partnered with more than 300 community groups, completed over 110 environmental projects, planted in excess of 3,000 trees and shrubs, and inspired thousands to take better care of the places where we live, work and raise our families.”

Newfoundland Power is focused on operating with sustainability in mind and making responsible decisions today that reduce any environmental impacts in the future. EnviroFest is the Company’s annual celebration of the environment, providing funding and offering support to a wide variety of organizations throughout the province to assist with their green projects. Whether it’s improving a park area, enhancing a trail system, starting a recycling program or transforming a green space, Newfoundland Power and its employees are committed to sustainability and creating awareness about the importance of preserving our environment for future generations.

Organizations are invited to submit proposals by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, April 14, 2022. Successful applicants will be announced on Earth Day, Friday, April 22, 2022. A minimum of five grants of up to $5,000 each will be awarded. For more information on how to apply, visit newfoundlandpower.com.

Newfoundland Power is the primary distributer of electricity on the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador. With a customer base of approximately 272,000 accounts, Newfoundland Power is committed to safety, dedicated to the highest level of customer service and delivers reliable electricity at the lowest possible cost. For more information on Newfoundland Power’s programs, services and community partnerships, please visit newfoundlandpower.com.

For further information, please contact: Michele Coughlan, Manager, Public Affairs
Phone: (709) 737-2821 / Cell: (709) 682-1470 mcoughlan@newfoundlandpower.com

Learn more and apply here

25th Pitch and Pick – Winter 2022

Posted on by kieran

Wed, 6 April 2022
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM NDT

The amazing companies in our intensive Evolution program have been working hard for eight weeks. The top start-ups have been selected to compete in the 25th edition of Pitch & Pick!

We want to give our awesome entrepreneurs a chance to pitch their idea to representatives from academia, public and private funding agencies, and the local tech community. A panel of expert industry judges will crown the winner, and the audience will be able to vote for a Community Choice recipient.

A special thanks to our host venue, Verafin, and our Evolution supporters Ray Agency, Springboard Atlantic, BDO Canada, TD Canada, Hickman Group, and Cox & Palmer for making this event possible.

Non-medical masks are recommended for attendees. If you are unable to attend inperson, a live-stream will be made available to the public via Zoom with link to follow. Space is limited, RSVP today!

Doors will open to public at 2:30 pm, and parking is free in surrounding areas.

Learn more and register here

REGENERATION: SOIL, FOOD, COMMUNITY: Building a Sustainable Food System in Newfoundland & Labrador

Posted on by kieran

You are invited to join a province-wide online public engagement conference that will focus on practical details and innovative models for growing food that is good for us and for our environment. People who grow and gather food at the household, community and commercial level will help us define actions needed to rebuild a sustainable food system. We will also examine how food is distributed and shared to define steps needed to create food justice in our province.

Conference Dates: MAY 5-6-7, 2022

In this time of climate crisis and food insecurity, we need to adapt and change our food production and food sharing in this province to restore ecological balance and health in our communities. This online conference has been organized by Food Producers Forum, with support from the Faculty of Medicine and the Office of Public Engagement, Memorial University, to bring people together to identify how we can do this.

This three-day event will consist of an introductory plenary, followed by five thematic seminars and four forums to focus on actions we can take to create a sustainable food system. In each session, we will be gathering ideas and recommendations for sustainable food production in our province. The conference will wrap up with a general meeting to confirm actions needed to restore capacity for local food production and sharing.

Learn more and register here