Category: News Release

For Immediate Release
December 6, 2017

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.

For Immediate Release
November 24, 2017

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.”

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.

Related Links: NEIA in the news in Guyana

• GCCI inks pact with Canadian association to promote trade, investment
• GCCI signs MoU with Canada’s NEIA

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.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
November 10, 2017

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.

For Immediate Release
October 13, 2017

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.

For Immediate Release
September 27, 2017

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.

Related Links: NEIA in the news in Guyana

• Canadian companies looking to form lasting partnerships in Guyana
• Canadian investors seek local partners in oil & gas sector
• Canadian Trade mission fostering ties in local oil and gas industry

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.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley: 709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
August 29, 2017

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.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
August 16, 2017

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.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley: kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
August 8, 2017

ST. JOHN’S, NL – Following the release of a ‘What We Heard’ document – a compilation of views from industry, academia, government, and community stakeholders on how to support increased innovation in the province – the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) continues to be supportive of the government’s efforts in resetting the business innovation agenda.

“Throughout NEIA’s participation in this engagement process, the top priorities for our members have centered around improved access to innovation supports,” said Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Directory. “It is clear that this message was well received by our government partners.”

Hanley noted that the ‘What We Heard’ document explicitly references an expressed need for more nimble and flexible program delivery. “An agile support framework is important for the environmental sector of business,” said Hanley. “Typically a product, service, or process that reduces environmental effects or risks represents something new – and new ideas are not always compatible with rigid programming.”

Hanley was also pleased to see that the document reflected the pressing need for the government to modernize its procurement policy. “NEIA has been advocating for the reform of procurement regulations for years,” said Hanley. “A modern procurement framework can facilitate the adoption of innovative products and services made right here that could then be exported worldwide.”

Hanley said NEIA’s members are eager to access new innovation programming, and are excited to learn more about InnovateNL – the province’s new single-window for the delivery of innovation programs. “We are looking forward to seeing the province’s new approach to supporting the business innovation agenda in action, and are hoping to see specifics soon.”

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.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
June 28, 2017

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is looking forward to working with the provincial government’s Cabinet Committee on Jobs to grow the clean technology sector in the province.

Premier Dwight Ball announced this morning that his government was partnering with industry in technology sectors to foster private sector employment and economic growth throughout the province. NEIA will lead the Cabinet Committee’s work relating to clean technology.

‘Clean technology’ refers to products, processes, and services that improve on environmental performance in support of sustainable development and clean growth. “Practically speaking, the use of clean technology can mean improving efficiency, reducing wastes, and/or mitigating the environmental risks of business activity,” says Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director.

“Every industry has an impact on the environment in one way or another, and clean technology can be applied and found in all of them,” says Hanley. “From oil and gas, to mining, to aquaculture, to energy, to fisheries, etc. there are always ways to find new efficiencies and reduce environmental impacts. This presents enormous opportunities for the creation of new products, processes, and services within our industries here in this province that can be exported worldwide.”

Hanley notes that the development and adoption of clean technologies are important components in Canada’s efforts to meet its climate change and environmental objectives, creating opportunities for local firms. NEIA launched its CleanTechNL initiative last week, which will assist in quantifying the size of the sector in the province, and help to connect those seeking to adopt clean technologies within the province with those who can provide it. “Our CleanTechNL initiative aims to drive a greater awareness of what clean technology actually is, and how we can leverage it towards economic development of our industries and regions,” says Hanley. More information on NEIA’s CleanTechNL initiative can be found at www.CleanTechNL.ca.

Hanley says that action is required from a number of government departments towards the support of clean technology, and that bringing these stakeholders together through a cabinet committee to work in collaboration with industry is a positive approach. “NEIA is looking forward to working with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador towards the development of a plan to pursue clean technology opportunities.”

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.

For Immediate Release
June 21, 2017

ST. JOHN’s, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is launching a new initiative to create a greater awareness in Newfoundland and Labrador about the clean technology being developed in the province, and also the growth opportunities it affords businesses.

‘Clean technology’ refers to products, processes, and services that improve on environmental performance in support of sustainable development and clean growth. “Practically speaking, the use of clean technology can mean improving efficiency, reducing wastes, and/or mitigating the environmental risks of business activity,” says Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director. “Clean technology is prevalent in all of Newfoundland and Labrador’s key industries, and can contribute to a firm’s productivity and competitiveness in almost any business setting.”

“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. “There are a variety of supports available enabling businesses to get involved, creating an enormous opportunity for firms in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our CleanTechNL initiative aims to drive a greater awareness of what clean technology actually is, and how we can leverage it towards economic development of our industries and regions.”

NEIA’s initiative will include representatives from the association meeting with business communities throughout the province to discuss opportunities associated with clean technology, a website which will feature the successes of businesses who have developed or adopted clean technologies, and the creation of a directory of clean technology products and services available in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Our CleanTechNL Directory will help connect those seeking to adopt clean technologies within the province with those who can provide it,” says Hanley. Hanley noted that the directory would be provided to procurement officials, engineers, architects, consultants, and others who could incorporate local technologies in to their planning. “There are a wide variety of stakeholders who have a mandate to incorporate clean technologies in to their activities, whether that be for economic or sustainability reasons. We believe the directory will help generate a greater awareness of what is available from our local firms.”

NEIA is currently reaching out to businesses throughout the province to help build the directory. Businesses can self-identify their products and services as being clean technology, and sign up to appear in the directory for free, at www.CleanTechNL.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.