Watch as Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director, addresses the technology summit and its work plan from the perspective of clean technology.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) was pleased to join NATI, the CME, ACADA, and the provincial government at the technology summit on Friday in announcing its technology sector work plan. The work plan includes actions that each of the partners will take to achieve the collective goal of growing the technology industry and stimulating new private sector employment.
“There’s opportunity in Newfoundland and Labrador to increase commercial activity and create new jobs in the area of clean technology adoption and development. The world economy is driving towards greater stewardship on carbon emissions and environmental impacts, and technology is in the driver’s seat. Those of our industries that capitalize on this reality in their operations here at home, or by exporting their expertise and services abroad, can achieve competitive advantage and growth. Unlocking the opportunity involves applying the right supports at the right junctures, and NEIA feels the technology work plan is a step towards putting that idea to practice. NEIA appreciates the opportunity to put a clean tech lens on the development of this work plan, and we’re looking forward to putting the plan to action with our partners in government, academia and industry.”
Alex Templeton – Chair, NEIA
Georgetown, GY – A delegation of firms from Newfoundland and Labrador are strengthening business relationships between this province and Guyana at GIPEX – the Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition.
A significant offshore project sanctioned for first oil as early as 2020 – and the prospect of future development in the region – are providing firms operating in Newfoundland and Labrador’s oil and gas industry the opportunity to bring their expertise international. This includes members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) with expertise in the application of clean technology and environmental products and services within the industry.
“There are unique similarities between what is occurring in Guyana now and what our province experienced in the early days of our own industry,” said Abbie Lacey, NEIA’s Manager of International Business Development. “We feel that by sharing our experiences, and reaching out in partnership, there are opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador firms to diversify their activities into this new market.”
Lacey said that this spirit of partnership and collaboration is important, an approach exemplified well in a joint venture announced yesterday between the Caron Hawco Group of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Sagacity Media of Guyana. The newly created Guyana Strategic Services will specialize in business development services for firms looking to grow through activity in Guyana. The Canadian High Commissioner for Guyana, Lillian Chatterjee, said the alliance “… is an excellent example of Canadians and Guyanese working together to help build this emerging oil and gas industry and helping to solidify Guyana as an investment destination.”
Newfoundland and Labrador firms are showing they are committed to building lasting relationships in the region, something Lacey said that has been noticed and has been well received in the market. “NEIA and its partners led a delegation of firms to Guyana last Fall,” she said. “We were provided with a warm welcome in September, and we were pleased to reciprocate that hospitality in welcoming a delegation from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry in November.”
High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Mrs. Lilian Chatterjee (centre) is flanked by CEO of Sagacity, Chris Chapwanya and Canadian Business Owner, Caron Hawco, of the Caron Hawco Group at the official announcement of the new partnership. Image courtesy of OILNOW
Lacey noted that an MOU signed between NEIA and GCCI in November has proved valuable already for both organizations. “The GCCI has been very helpful to our delegation in terms of facilitating introductions and providing their insight,” said Lacey. “A trust is being built between our organizations that we believe will be of benefit to our respective memberships.” Lacey added that the support of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) has been instrumental in helping the delegation maximize the value of its time in Guyana.
NEIA’s international business initiatives in the region are a product of continued collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (TCII) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
GIPEX 2018 runs from February 7-9 in Georgetown, Guyana. NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is encouraging firms in the province to consider the offshore wind energy industry as an avenue for business growth.
“It is expected that global offshore wind energy capacity is to grow by over 650% by 2030,” said Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director. “This means expanding supply chains and many billions of dollars worth of investment – representing a real opportunity for our firms.”
Hanley’s comments come following an offshore wind energy workshop in St. John’s that NEIA organized with Marine Renewables Canada. “Part of the workshop yesterday focused on the supply chain in offshore wind, and we were struck by how similar it looked to what we are already familiar with here in Newfoundland and Labrador.” Hanley says that the province’s demonstrated expertise providing ocean technologies and services in the offshore oil and gas sector positions local firms well to explore opportunities worldwide in wind.
“It is clear, given the rapid expansion of this industry worldwide, that there are opportunities for our local firms to diversify their activities and the markets in which they are engaged.” Hanley says that NEIA will be working to help firms in the province identify and pursue those opportunities.
“… it is important and prudent to have an open and informed discussion on the possibilities for wind energy development off the shores of our province.”
– Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director
The workshop also focused on the prospect of offshore wind energy development in Newfoundland and Labrador, possible export markets, and current Federal supports available to help foster the emergence of the industry.
“Natural Resources Canada has an enormous funding program call open right now that would apply to offshore wind energy developments,” said Hanley. “Considering the economic development potential associated with a large industry like this one, it is important and prudent to have an open and informed discussion on the possibilities for wind energy development off the shores of our province.”
Hanley said there are benefits to being a first-mover in the region. “If we can build expertise here in Newfoundland and Labrador, that is something we can export for years to come as the industry grows in North America.”
“There are challenges to offshore wind development in our province – but given the opportunity before us, let’s take a look at what we might be able to do together to address those challenges.”
NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.
On December 5th, the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) met with Hon. Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, to discuss the provincial government’s commitment to review environmental assessment (EA) and permitting processes in the province.
“We are appreciative that Minister Joyce and his staff were available to meet with representatives of our association,” said Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director. “We had the opportunity to engage in a discussion on this topic of great importance for industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
On March 27, 2017 the provincial government committed in its Way Forward strategy to reviewing its EA and permitting processes in 2017/18. Hanley noted that in anticipation of consultations around regulatory reform, NEIA has been engaging environmental professionals in the province to identify opportunities for improvement or enhancement.
“Since September, NEIA has held a workshop for private sector EA practitioners, hosted an interactive session with a broader audience of green economy stakeholders at our annual conference, and extensively engaged our membership directly to develop a series of specific recommendations for government to consider.” Hanley said NEIA will continue to consult with practitioners working in the province’s key industries towards a formal submission to government in early 2018.
Hanley said that there are opportunities to reform EA and permitting to increase efficiency for both the public and private sectors, create more certainty around processes for all parties, while maintaining a high environmental standard. “The Minister and his staff were open to discussing industry’s ideas and perspectives, and encouraged NEIA to continue to engage with the department.” In addition to addressing current opportunities, Hanley also noted that it was important for government to consider the proactive development of regulations for emerging industries like offshore wind energy.
“We were very encouraged by our meeting with Minister Joyce and his team, and look forward to contributing in any way that we can to the reform process as it unfolds,” said Hanley.
NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).
“NEIA is excited to have the opportunity to establish a meaningful connection between the private sectors of Newfoundland and Labrador and Guyana,” said Alex Templeton, the Chair of NEIA’s Board of Directors. “We believe that there is great opportunity in partnership for both our economies and peoples, and this is another step in growing that relationship.”
Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director, and Deodat Indar, President of the GCCI, sign a Memorandum of Understanding between their organizations on November 17, 2017
Established in 1890 and now representing over 180 Members, the GCCI is the oldest private sector representative organization in Guyana. A delegation of firms from the GCCI were in St. John’s last week on a fact finding mission to learn about the province’s industries – including its clean technology and environmental sectors.
This was the second engagement this Fall between NEIA and the GCCI. “NEIA and its partners led a delegation of Newfoundland and Labrador firms to Guyana earlier this Fall,” noted Abbie Lacey, NEIA’s Manager of International Business Development. “The GCCI provided us with a warm welcome in September, and so we were pleased to be able to reciprocate that hospitality.” Lacey said the delegates had a full agenda of activities that included participation in local seminars, business to business meetings, and tours of local facilities and resources.
The MOU signed between NEIA and the GCCI represents a mutual commitment for both organizations to explore international business development opportunities that benefit both jurisdictions.
Despite the distance between Newfoundland and Labrador and Guyana geographically, Templeton says there is much that ties the two places together. “In the time we have spent with our Guyanese friends, it is evident there are many similarities between our people beyond the economic possibilities. We look forward to returning to Guyana soon and continuing to build on what we have achieved together this Fall.”
NEIA’s international business initiatives in the region are a product of continued collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (TCII) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is welcoming the Provincial Government’s introduction of its business innovation agenda.
“NEIA has been an active participant throughout the government’s engagement with the private sector in the development of its new approach to supporting business innovation,” says Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director. “We are pleased to see that the challenges and opportunities as identified by industry were considered and incorporated within the framework.”
Hanley says there is a lot that NEIA members like about the agenda. “We have been talking to our government partners about the importance for public bodies to be open to working with the private sector to demonstrate products or services,” says Hanley. “This is critical for environmental firms whose offerings are typically new and innovative, and so we are very pleased to see a commitment to this effect.” Hanley says that having the government or its agencies as clients strengthens the ability for these firms to engage in business internationally.
NEIA is pleased with the agenda’s four-pronged approach on product development and commercialization, productivity, growth and internationalization, and workforce skills and talent. “The dedication to a client-centric, collaborative approach will help ensure the responsive and agile programming delivery industry requires” says Hanley, noting commitments to develop programming for high-growth potential firms and seed financing for start-ups are initiatives that will support growth in Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean technology sector.
NEIA is encouraging its networking to view the Business Innovation Agenda at http://www.nlinnovationagenda.ca.
Hanley says NEIA is eager to see how the new innovation agenda manifests itself in to supports, programming, and initiatives. “Our members are excited to engage with government as a partner in innovative projects. Clean technology innovation means economic development and diversification for Newfoundland and Labrador.”
NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.
ST. JOHN’s, NL – Newleef 2017 took place on from October 11-12. Newleef is the premier event in Newfoundland and Labrador for business-owners, entrepreneurs, environmental professionals, academics, decision-makers, and public servants to converge and discuss green economic growth ideas, opportunities, and issues across many of the province’s sectors – from mining, to forestry, to oil and gas, to the fishery, to energy, and beyond.
Clean Technology
“There is an enormous opportunity right now for firms in Newfoundland and Labrador who are engaged in clean technology activities,” said Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director. “The development and/or adoption of clean technologies are important components in Canada’s efforts to meet its climate change and environmental objectives,” says Hanley, noting that each of the province’s key industries – from oil and gas, to aquaculture, to forestry, etc. – are ripe for clean technology. Newleef 2017 featured presentations on clean technology funding sources, how adoption can help increase efficiencies for business, and highlighted various new clean technologies emerging from Newfoundland and Labrador.
Environmental Regulatory Framework
The conference also featured an interactive session examining opportunities for improving the environmental regulatory framework in the province. “The province has committed tor reviewing and updating environmental assessment and permitting processes during this fiscal year, and so we are doing our part to provide recommendations from the private sector professionals working within the systems,” said Hanley. Hanley noted that this session was the third round of engagement NEIA has undertaken with its membership, and that he anticipates having comprehensive and specific recommendations when its consultations are completed.
Offshore Wind Energy
Newleef 2017 also featured a session focusing on the offshore wind energy potential in Newfoundland and Labrador. Presentations included a panel discussion on economic impacts, discussion on the project as proposed by Atlantic Canada Offshore Developments (ACOD), and an examination of the existing regulatory framework for renewable energy activities in the ocean and what changes may be required. “There is an investor ready to spend significant dollars in this province to develop offshore wind energy, and so we believe it is important to give this opportunity a fair and objective analysis,” said Hanley, who noted NEIA is doing its part to help fill in knowledge gaps surrounding impacts, opportunities, and challenges associated with the industry.
Newleef is Newfoundland & Labrador’s green economy conference, focusing on the products, services, technologies, policies, and innovations in the province that can help build the province’s economy and protect, mitigate effects to, or even enhance the natural environment in the process. More information on Newleef 2017 can be found at www.newleef.ca.
NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at www.neia.org.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) has returned from leading a trade mission of nine delegate firms to Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, and St. Lucia.
“NEIA and its firms continue to build relationships and develop business partnerships in the Caribbean region,” said Abbie Lacey, NEIA’s Manager of International Business Development. Lacey noted that this was the fifth in-market engagement NEIA has had in the region since 2015, and second in 2017. “These missions have resulted in projects and exports for Newfoundland and Labrador firms.”
NEIA’s Executive Director Kieran Hanley says that markets in the Caribbean are an excellent fit for Newfoundland and Labrador firms. “The environmental challenges being faced by these small and primarily island nations – from coastal erosion to wastewater management to their distance from major markets – are very similar to the challenges we are facing here at home.” Hanley said the solutions developed in this province are relevant, at the right scale, and can in many cases be adapted for use in those markets. “Newfoundland and Labrador has a long history of trade with the Caribbean region, and we are working hard to continue and deepen that tradition.”
This mission marked the first time NEIA led a delegation of companies to Guyana. “With the rapid development of offshore oil resources and an objective to develop internal capacity, there are unique similarities between what is occurring in Guyana now and what our province experienced in the early days of our own industry,” said Lacey. “We feel that by sharing those experiences, and reaching out in partnership, there are opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador firms to diversify their activities into this new market.” Lacey said NEIA will continue to explore those opportunities on behalf of its membership.
NEIA’s international business initiatives in the region are a product of a continued collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Innovation, and Industry and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “The provincial government and ACOA have been invaluable partners in our pursuit of international business growth for our sector,” said Hanley. “We hope to continue to work together towards the diversification and strengthening of our provincial economy through export and trade.”
NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.
ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is encouraging its members to participate in ongoing public consultations and engagement on possible regional governance.
Last week the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment announced the start of public consultations, both in person and online, seeking input to help inform the development of a potential regional government model for the province.
“NEIA has been advocating for regionalized service delivery within Newfoundland and Labrador for some time,” said Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director. “We are pleased that this among the province’s priorities and that it is facilitating an open discussion on the topic.” Hanley noted that from the environmental industry’s perspective there would be a number of benefits to accrue from a regional governance model.
“In a regional context, economies of scale can be achieved to improve province-wide delivery of environmental services such as waste management, wastewater management, and water quality,” said Hanley. “The same can be said for setting environmental standards and enforcing them – activities important for the protection of our natural resources but very challenging for communities today to achieve individually and independent of one another.”
Hanley also said that there are economic development opportunities that could accrue from regional governance. “As it stands, the majority of municipalities and communities in the province do not have the capacity to engage in activities to contribute to their own economic development. Thus for organizations like NEIA, we have little ability to interface with communities when opportunities emerge,” Hanley said. “A regional model has the potential to institute a capacity for communities to work reactively – and more importantly proactively – with industry towards growth.”
“There is a significant opportunity to improve environmental outcomes and increase economic activity in Newfoundland and Labrador through regional governance,” said Hanley. “This is an important conversation for our province to be having right now, and we encourage its stakeholders in the green economy to participate.”
More information on the province’s consultation and engagement process can be found at www.EngageNL.ca.
NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.
ST. JOHN’S, NL – Alex Templeton, a lawyer with McInnes Cooper, has been named Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association’s Board of Directors.
Alex has been involved with NEIA since 2013, and through his participation on the Board and its committees has been a significant contributor to the organization’s growth and success during that time.
“I’m happy to serve as Chair, to continue working with the Board, the staff and our members towards creating new opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy,” said Templeton. “We have a lot of potential when we work together.”
Alex moves to the role from Vice-Chair following the departure of NEIA’s outgoing Chair Lyndsay Haynes. “It was an honour for me to serve as NEIA’s Chair,” said Haynes. “I wish Alex the best of luck in his new role, and look forward to continuing to contribute to the association through as a member and through its committees.”
During his tenure with the Board, Alex has served on NEIA’s Finance and Operations Committee, Organization Development Committee and Policy and Advocacy Committee.
Alex has practiced law in Newfoundland and Labrador since 2007. He maintains a litigation practice focusing on natural resource and energy projects, the environment, regulatory enforcement, privacy and access to information, contracts, insurance and professional liability. He routinely represents private industry in a variety of sectors (oil and gas, energy, mining, insurance, construction, telecommunications), as well as public utilities, advocacy groups and other institutional clients. He has appeared before all levels of court in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as all levels of the Federal Court of Canada and numerous boards and tribunals.
Alex is a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Canadian Bar Association, and a graduate of Memorial University and the University of New Brunswick.
“I see our role as one of helping government and industry rationalize economic activity with environmental imperatives. Our province has a storied history of this, but we can certainly learn from the past and use it in unlocking the opportunities of the present and the future,” said Templeton. “NEIA is now in its 25th year of filling this role and we’ve never seen environmental processes and technologies as firmly entrenched in the economic development blueprint as they are now. It’s an exciting time to be involved.”
NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.
