Category: #Old & Expired

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

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

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.