Author: kieran

Low emissions oil and gas production an important contribution in the fight against climate change

Posted on by kieran

econext supports Bay du Nord development

For Immediate Release
March 21, 2022

“The science is clear: the world must decarbonize,” said Kieran Hanley, econext’s Executive Director. “What is also true is that the process of moving beyond fossil fuels is an enormous global undertaking that will take many years.”

“Thus, in a world that still needs oil – the reality is that the continuous pursuit of low-emissions production is a worthy contribution to the fight against climate change.” Hanley said that during this period of transition, oil should come from a place like Canada where environmental, safety, and human rights standards are high.

“We cannot impact the speed at which other nations decarbonize, nor can we impact global demand for oil,” said Hanley. “What we can do is change the game in terms of how oil is produced.” Hanley points to The Net Zero Project as an important effort in that regard for Newfoundland and Labrador – and Canada. “The energy transition involves both decreasing the impact of oil and gas activities and large investments into clean energy projects.”

“Newfoundland and Labrador can become a clean energy powerhouse,” said Hanley, alluding to the rich cache of undeveloped renewable energy resources in the province. Hanley said that the province should have a ‘laser-like’ focus on the decarbonization of its domestic economy and the development of clean energy. “Electrifying transportation and industries, creating the hydrogen economy, building wind and offshore wind projects – this is the future of our province, but we need financial resources to accomplish that.”

“We should be focused on this future; but without the ability to progress reasonable projects like Bay du Nord, reaching that potential will become infinitely harder for this province.” Hanley said that revenues accrued from the project should be re-invested into Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean energy future.

The impact of the offshore industry goes well beyond revenues and royalties; it has played a central role in developing the province’s cleantech sector. “Previous offshore projects have helped to create a wave of ocean technology firms which now export their products and services worldwide, helped to establish internationally-recognized research and development resources and capacity within the province, and helped to foster a world-leading cluster of companies and institutions developing and deploying environmental sensing, monitoring, and characterization technologies.” Hanley said that a targeted focus on emissions reductions can have a similar transformational effect on clean technology development in the province – a prospect supported by the results stemming from Canada’s highly impactful Emissions Reduction Fund.

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 production offshore Newfoundland and Labrador is already 30 percent below the global average.”

“The Bay du Nord project is extremely important for the future of our provincial economy on a number of different fronts,” said Hanley. “It is an important part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s energy transition and is key to helping us unlock our clean energy potential.” Hanley said the project has undergone one of the world’s most rigorous regulatory processes, and that econext is confident that it will be approved.

“Finding the right balance on environment and economy is a difficult business,” said Hanley. “The Bay du Nord project is a big step in the right direction.”

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
Executive Director
kieran@econext.ca

econext supportive of Newfoundland and Labrador investments into electrification

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
March 18, 2022

econext is indicating its support for recent announcements from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador that will support electrification – the process of switching from fossil-fuel based activities to electric ones.

This week the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced additional investments for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, rebates for EV and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and assistance for homeowners to switch from oil to electric heating.

“Here in this province we have access to rich renewable energy resources,” said Kieran Hanley, econext’s Executive Director, “and so it makes complete sense on a number of levels to invest in electrification initiatives.”

“Each process that we electrify helps reduce the province’s greenhouse gas emissions, creates green jobs, and helps mitigate electricity rate increases,” said Hanley. “We encourage the provincial government to move quickly to do what it can to facilitate electrification throughout the economy.”

Hanley said that a long-term electrification strategy should be put in place that includes investments into fuel switching for public transportation, marine transportation, heavy industrial activities such as mining, and building heating.

“Newfoundland and Labrador has the potential to be a global leader in the energy transition as we pursue net zero – and the degree to which we can electrify our economy will play a big role in that.”

econext made a series of specific recommendations around renewable energy and electrification in a submission to the provincial government in the development of its renewable energy plan. Click here to review econext’s recommendations.

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

— 30 —

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@econext.ca

Chlorine and Ammonia Handling and Response Training

Posted on by kieran

Dates: June 15-16, September 21-22
Location: Gander, Corner Brook
Cost: econext Members – $495 +HST / Non-Members – $575 +HST

Chlorine and Ammonia are used every day throughout Newfoundland and Labrador whether in the maintenance of our water and wastewater treatment technologies or the refrigeration systems in recreational facilities. Both are extremely dangerous chemicals, and thus great care must be taken to ensure proper handling.

This two-day program has been developed to expand on the existing knowledge base of staff in the areas of chemical handling and storage practices as well as response to leaking containers in a first response capacity.

Registration

Contact Matt Rumboldt at matt@econext.ca.

More Information

This is a customized training program, however, it does follow the standards, basic tenants and specific best practice and procedures, as set out by the Chlorine Institute of America. Additionally, the program will utilize relevant information from the NFPA 472 Operations level training, the CSA Z1006 standard for Confined Space and the applicable CSA standards for supporting systems and processes in such areas as gas detection and respiratory protection.

Due to the nature of the facilities where we find these chemicals, this program will incorporate into the training specific material relating to the needs of those personnel dealing with Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), personal gas detection systems, and use of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

The training facilitators are recognized as international experts in the management, response, and remediation of all classes of dangerous goods, with decades spent in the field. This program has been designed to provide the following through a combination of classroom and practical exercises:

  • An overview to the chemical and physical properties of CL, NH3, CO and SO2 and associated hazards of exposure.
  • Leak detection, air monitoring.
  • Personnel Protective Equipment.
  • Container handling practices.
  • Response procedures including decontamination procedures.
  • Hands-on practical component involving capping kits, gas detection systems, SCBAs and use of our “Leak Tree” system.

Except where specified, all equipment required for the services shall be provided. Client equipment can be included in the training program but must be approved prior to course start. PPE not relating to the training for participants is the responsibility of the Client or the participants, and must be in suitable condition and approved prior to use.

Adding to this inventory, and supplied by SWSI, will be additional SCBAs, Level A training suits, and hand held meters. Quantities and type of this equipment will be at the discretion of the training facilitators once final inventories of total materials can be confirmed.

SWSI will, depending on the course designed for attendees, issue training specific certificates in:

  • Chlorine Handling & Response
  • Ammonia Handling & Response
  • Use of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
  • Gas Detection and Personnel Monitors
  • Safety in CO and SO2 Work Environments

About Safe Work Solutions Inc.

Safe Work Solutions Inc. (SWSI) is a consulting and training company focused on safe work practices and the practical application of those practices. Core training and consulting areas include: Hazardous Materials, Confined Space, Work at Height, and Environmental Response and remediation . Additional services include: Emergency Planning, Respiratory Protection, Gas Detection and Chemical Specific Training.

SWSI’s experience in remedial operations extends across all industry sectors and ranges in scope from oil spills to train derailments, chemical plant rehabilitation, abandoned chemical waste sites and industrial complex remediation.

We use a vertically integrated approach with a focus on people and problem solving, all whilst adhering to internationally recognized standards such as Canadian Standards Association (CSA), A merican National Standards Institute (ANSI), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Occupational Safety & Health Association (OHSA), American Congress of Governmental Indus trial Hygienists (ACGIH), and the International Standards Organization (ISO).

From this experience, SWSI has been able to develop specialized training with real world application, to deliver some of the most comprehensive safe work systems and processes to industry and government. All of our work is geared to the end user and is based on the mindset of concise and practical solutions with ease of implementation at the field level.

Our abilities have allowed us to provide our standards based or customized programs in seven countries on three continents. Having trained in excess of 150,000 people globally, we are confident that we can find the solutions that can be used where it is needed most. To learn more about SWSI and WorkSafe Systems, click here.

About Your Facilitator


W. Jeffrey Daniels
Industrial Safety Specialist / Instructor

  • 30 years of knowledge and experience in contracting, environmental, and occupational health and safety.

  • Executed consulting and contracting projects, encompassing residential, commercial and industrial projects, with significant experience working in remote locations. Core experience has been in the emergency response to dangerous goods and environmental site remediation.

  • Extensive experience as a training facilitator specializing in work at height, confined space and hazardous materials, with training experience in North America, South America, the Caribbean and over 10,000 workers trained.

  • International trainer in safety and chemical waste systems with experience in developing specialized training and onsite practical exercises geared to the end user, based on the mindset of concise and practical solutions with ease of implementation at the field level.

    Express your interest in this course

    Contact Matt Rumboldt at matt@econext.ca.

    • New technologies funded by CRIN competition to address environmental and economic challenges of Canada’s oil and gas industry

    Posted on by kieran

    Today CRIN is announcing funding of over $44 million CAD for 17 projects identified through its Reducing Environmental Footprint oil and gas technology competition. This brings the total investment through three competitions to $80 million. CRIN’s competitions are designed to accelerate solutions that have the potential for significant contributions to environmental and economic challenges faced by Canada’s oil and gas industry, including emissions reduction and climate change.

    Early analysis by the 17 proponents suggests significant reductions in impacts to air, land and water from oil and gas industry activity from source to end use. These include potential combined accumulative direct and indirect contributions* of:

    • Emissions reduction of 64 megatonnes (MT) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) by 2033, bringing the three-competition estimated total to 119 MT
    • Land-use intensity reduction of 62,000 hectares (ha) by 2033
    • Water-use intensity reduction of 1.2 million megalitres (Ml) by 2033

    * See background section below for additional notes

    In addition to environmental benefits, CRIN competitions are designed to accelerate innovations with strong potential to provide significant benefits for Canada such as:

    • Global market competitiveness: New or enhanced operational and extraction technologies that improve productivity, efficiency and safety as well as reduced environmental impacts
    • Economic and public: Small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) business engagement and growth; job creation; development of a highly skilled workforce; improved health and safety
    • Ecosystem development: Knowledge sharing; new, diverse collaborations and partnerships

    Combined Reducing Environmental Footprint oil and gas technology competition project value is estimated at $177 million, including CRIN funding of $44.6 million. This competition focused on specific objectives within priority theme areas defined by industry:

    • Water Technology Development
    • Methane Emissions, Monitoring, Quantification and Abatement
    • Novel Hydrocarbon Extraction
    • Land and Wellsite Reclamation

    To learn more about the projects identified for funding: CRIN Reducing Environmental Footprint Technology Competition click the link below!

    Read the full release here

    Overcoming Barriers to Environmental Employment

    Posted on by kieran

    Environmental Job Funding & Training for Employers | Learn About Wage Subsidies to Help You Onboard and Train New Talent

    With many young people experiencing unemployment or underemployment, how can established organizations and start-ups participate in helping youth overcome barriers to employment? In this webinar we’ll discuss strategies and supports available to:

    • Empower organizations to invest in emerging workers
    • Assist youth facing barriers employment
    • Develop employability skills
    • Obtain meaningful work experience in the sustainability sector
    • Access training and employment support services

    ECO Canada’s team will discuss pathways to employability and workforce development programs.

    Thanks to the support of their funders – Natural Resources Canada, Climate Change Canada, Social Development Canada, and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada – they can offer you dollars to increase organization capacity and support your business participation in the green economy.

    By helping your team with wage and training costs, they make hiring new talent more attractive.

    Benefits for Employers:

    • Increase work capacity
    • Access talented youth with new ideas & skills
    • Increase employee retention
    • Reduce staff training costs
    • Strengthen overall business operations
    • Support the growth of new qualified environmental workers

    Join ECO Canada and econext for a virtual session to explore ECO Canada’s Employment Programs, Training & Wage Subsidies for Environmental Jobs

    Click here to register!

    Speakers:

    Brenden Stephen: has been finding creative solutions to training and Human Resources needs for 10 years now. Having grown up in the small town of Vanderhoof, BC, Brenden understands the need for clear communication and teamwork. After attending University at the University of Alberta, Brenden continued to educate himself and endears to be a lifelong learner. Brenden is committed to helping improve the environmental industry and works hard to live with an intentional focus on renewability and sustainability

    Emma Duffy: works on the Employment Programs team at ECO Canada, focused on the strategy and outreach to elevate the Employment Programs team and our reach across Canada. Emma collaborates with all departments at ECO and external stakeholders to build relationships and increase opportunities for all.

    Caribbean Spring Trade Mission | May 30 – June 3, 2022

    Posted on by kieran

    econext, in partnership with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Department of Industry, Energy, and Technology (IET), is continuing its work assisting firms in the investigation of and pursuit of international business opportunities in the Caribbean region, with particular focus on the Green and Blue Economies.

    Registration will be closing March 18, 2022 for the Spring mission to the Caribbean region with an intent to focus travel primarily around the business week of May 30 – June 3, 2022.

    Each delegate firm/organization may select to receive support services in up to two markets.

    What's Included

    Participants in this trade mission will receive:

    • Matchmaking and Mission Support provided by Amber Mackereth Consulting
    • Hotel Block/Group Rate*
    • Airport Transfers In-Market
    • Networking Reception(s)*
    • Ground Transportation to Off-Site Meetings
    • In-market Debriefs/Troubleshooting Sessions*
    • Mission Follow-Up Services/After-Care
    • Travel Stipend: Delegates are responsible for their own travel costs. However, a travel subsidy from IET may be available for eligible NL participants.

    *in anchor markets/markets with sufficient delegate presence

    Interested in participating in the mission to do your own follow-up meetings? Consider registration as an Associate Delegate!

    Contact abbie@econext.ca to register as an Associate Delegate

    Eligibility

    To register for the Spring mission, companies must meet the following criteria:

    • Clear financial standing with econext and its funding partners ACOA and IET
    • Completion of online registration form
    • Confirmed payment of registration fee – $600.00 + HST for Full Delegate | $200.00 + HST for Associate Delegate
    • Demonstrated export readiness/market research
    • Confirmation of flight itinerary by Thursday, April 14.

    It is highly recommended that firms considering this trade mission have completed preliminary market analysis/research.

    COVID-19 Considerations

    The guidelines put in place by the Government of Canada as identified under Global Affairs Canada Travel Advisory and Advice must be adhered to including any other travel restrictions and protocols that may apply: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories

    Eligible Markets: While target markets are customizable, destinations will only be considered eligible when the travel advisory is set at risk level one or two.

    Companies will be expected to exercise due diligence when selecting markets and planning travel.
    Public health guidance including mask mandates and entry/exit requirements will vary between jurisdictions.
    econext and its partners assume no responsibility, in whole or in part, for delegate travel complications, delays, or interruptions including those related to health restrictions.

    Delegates are strongly encouraged to consult with their travel insurance providers prior to travel.

    The following links provide additional information related to international travel. Please refer to the Government of Canada’s links for the latest travel restrictions, exemptions, and advice:

    FAQ

    FAQ

    What are the target markets for this mission?

    Our missions are customizable! We believe that each delegate should select markets that make sense based on your own objectives and market research instead. Receptions, briefing sessions, etc. will take place in “anchor markets”, or markets seeing significant delegate presence.

    Can I enroll in the Customized Consulting Services AND the Spring Trade Mission?

    Yes! However, if you are considering applying for both this service and the Spring Trade Mission, we stipulate that the services requested under the customized consulting services initiative be distinct from those that are to be delivered through a trade mission (e.g., market research or virtual meeting coordination focused on distinct geographic markets)

    What happens if public health guidance changes regarding non-essential travel?

    Should econext decide that travel to the region is no longer advisable prior to the creation of mission meeting programs, the mission may be postponed.

    If travel restrictions change after matchmaking has begun, the mission may pivot to a virtual format. It takes considerable time and effort to create and confirm tailored meeting programs, and delegates will be expected to devote similar attention and effort to the execution of a virtual program if need be.

    Registration

    Click Here to Register!

    Registration deadline for this mission is March 18, 2022, however early registration is encouraged!

    *Please note that there are a limited number of spaces available for this opportunity and that meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee registration.*



    If you have any questions about the econext Spring Mission, Please Contact Abbie at abbie@econext.ca.

    EOI: Companies in Atlantic Canada Looking to Advance International Business Interests Related to Cleantech, Oceans, and Europe

    Posted on by kieran

    econext is welcoming expressions of interest from firms based out of Atlantic Canada looking to progress their export and internationalization objectives.

    To qualify for supports, firms must:

    • be based in either Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Prince Edward Island.
    • provide or are developing technologies, products, or services that improve environmental performance or inform on environmental performance related to ocean-based industries
    • have an interest in expanding on existing long-term interests and activities in or in partnership with European markets

    A limited number of eligible firms will access econext supports to enhance their international business strategies. These supports will include:

    • an analysis of existing strategies to ensure they are incorporating changing circumstances (e.g., the impacts of covid-19, accelerated international discussions around net zero and the energy transition)
    • advice on changes that should be considered given these changing circumstances
    • advice on next steps that the firm might take in updating its long term internationalization strategies, including guidance on government programming available to support these efforts

    Firms are encouraged to indicate their interest by April 1, 2022. Please contact Abbie Hodder with your questions and interest at abbie@econext.ca.

    Canada Digital Adoption Program

    Posted on by kieran

    How Canadians do business has changed. To stay competitive and grow, small and medium-sized businesses need to adopt new digital tools.

    In Budget 2021, the Government of Canada announced the $4 billion Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) to help get your business online, give your e-commerce presence a boost or help digitalize your business’s operations.

    CDAP provides funding and support to businesses, as well as training and work opportunities for young Canadians.

    Which grant is your business eligible for?

    Find out now!