Category: econext Training

Training Course: Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

Posted on by Chelsie Cake

Are you looking for resources to help navigate Newfoundland and Labrador’s regulatory environment?

Our Environmental and Regulatory Compliance course is here to provide practitioners with environment and regulatory overview and resources through the lens of an environmental professional, and is customized to the regulatory conditions and requirements of Newfoundland and Labrador.

This 1-day course includes the following modules:

  • Overview of the Regulatory Environment in NL: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the specific regulatory environment in Newfoundland and Labrador, encompassing legislation, provincial and federal regulatory agencies, environmental assessment processes, permitting frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and essential guidance documents.
  • Environmental Compliance Considerations for Projects: Receive insights into key compliance considerations for various project components such as exploration, mining, wind energy, and more. This module will cover topics including surveying, waste management, drilling, noise control, and contingency planning.
  • Environmental Management Systems: Acquire an introduction to environmental management systems and their role in enhancing organizational performance. Participants will learn about training, record management, inspections, objectives, policies, and the ISO 14000 standard.
  • Tools for Environmental and Regulatory Project Management: This module summarizes the previous sections, exploring specific tools and guides that facilitate seamless project management within the environmental and regulatory framework. These resources are available for digital download and will aid participants in effectively managing environmental projects.

Don’t let the complexities of environmental regulation slow you down. Register in our Environmental and Regulatory Compliance course today!

Trainer Bio: Brian Taite, M.A.Sc., CRSP, P.Eng.

Brian is an accomplished and dedicated health, safety, environment & regulatory professional with over 30 years’ experience in the energy and mining sectors. Brian has been a consultant to several major mining and energy companies, government agencies and private industry for emergency preparedness and response, incident investigation, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, auditing, HSE planning and technical integrity assurance. Brian was educated at Memorial University and was admitted to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1992, Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering in 1994 and Master of Applied Science in Environmental Engineering in 1999. Brian has been associated with econext since the mid 1990’s, having worked as an environmental consultant for over a decade in Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2006 he expanded his career in asset management with Shell in the UK and the Netherlands for over five years. Returning to St. John’s he worked with AMEC (WSP) as a senior environmental engineer and was soon after seconded to Rio Tinto’s IOC mine in Labrador City for his first experience in the mining sector. In 2012 Brian continued his mining experience with Vale’s Long Harbour Processing Plant as Operations Environmental Supervisor. In 2014 Brian joined WorleyParsons to develop an Environmental Management System for Alderon’s Kami Mine project and soon after took on a role as Environment & Regulatory Manager for the ExxonMobil Hebron Topsides Project. In late 2017, Brian went back to consulting at Pinchin Ltd. as Team Leader, Environmental Due Diligence and Remediation. In 2020 he became SHE Coordinator for the Vale Voisey’s Bay Mine Expansion Project construction of two underground mines in northern Labrador. In 2021 Brian worked with HMDC/ExxonMobil as the Environment Advisor for the Hibernia offshore drilling and production platform. Most recently, in 2024 he joined the World Energy GH2 team as the Environmental Compliance Manager for Project Nujio’qonik, pioneering Canada’s wind to green hydrogen industry as part of the global energy transition to clean fuels.

Registration

Date: November 22, 2024
Location: econext Boardroom (235 Water Street, 2nd Floor), St. John’s, NL

Cost
econext Members: $315 + HST
Non-Members: $445 + HST

Registration is open. To register, please email Ogaga Johnson at ogaga@econext.ca.

Training Course: ESG Strategies and Tactics for SMEs

Posted on by kieran

Are You Prepared to Lead with both Purpose and Profit in Mind?

In today’s fast-evolving market, leading companies are shifting to a new standard: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. ESG is more than a reporting framework; it’s a powerful tool that aligns profitability with sustainability and corporate responsibility. For CEOs, business leaders, and directors committed to staying at the forefront of their industries, embracing ESG practices is no longer optional—it’s essential. Join us in this course designed specifically for executives of Small to Medium sized Enterprises who are ready to join the next frontier of business leadership.

Why This ESG Course Is Essential for High-Level Leaders:

1. Gain a Clear Understanding of ESG
Learn the fundamentals of ESG and how it can drive sustainable growth in your business.

2. Set and Achieve ESG Targets
Evaluate your organization through an ESG lens, set meaningful goals, and track real progress.

3. Understand ESG Reporting
Create transparent, compelling reports that showcase your company’s commitment to responsible practices.

4. Stay Competitive
Understand the different models surrounding ESG that environmental industry firms can embrace to maximize benefits and minimize risks.

5. Connect with Like-Minded Leaders
Build valuable connections with other executives who are committed to forward-thinking, purpose-driven leadership.

Don’t get left behind. Step into the next era of leadership—start your ESG journey with our upcoming course on February 27, 2025!

Trainer Bio: Dr. Tom Cooper

Tom has significant consulting expertise with over twenty years’ experience in the field. He is currently a professor of Strategic Management at Memorial, teaching governance at a MBA level. Prior to taking his position at Memorial University, Tom worked as a senior manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Performance Improvement Consulting and advisory practice in the United Kingdom and was team leader of their Governance, Risk and Compliance Financial Services practice. Since returning to Newfoundland and Labrador he has worked with a wide range of clients across different sectors predominantly focusing on strategic planning, training, and performance improvement. He is a Certified Management Consultant and teaches on the ICD program out of Rotman in Toronto. He is the past Chair of Food First Newfoundland and Labrador and sits on their executive committee, past Chair of SmartICE, and currently the Public Representative on both the boards of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Newfoundland and Labrador as well as the Provincial Health Research Ethics Authority Board for Genetics.

Registration

Date: February 27, 2025
Location: econext Boardroom (235 Water Street, 2nd Floor), St. John’s, NL

Cost
econext Members: $415 + HST
Non-Members: $555 + HST

To register, please email Ogaga Johnson at ogaga@econext.ca.

Training Course: ESG Strategies and Tactics for SMEs

Posted on by kieran

An opportunity for SMEs to learn and develop ESG strategies that can be used to maintain and build their competitive advantage

What is ESG? Why is ESG important? How do organizations implement ESG strategies and benefit from having one?

These questions and more are what would be answered in this interactive and practical full day session. The session will focus on ESG (environmental, social, governance) related issues for business, exploring tactics and current trends in how ESG is addressed.

In this session, we will also explore how ESG models can be used as an approach to address challenges and opportunities in the environmental sector especially for Small to Medium Sized Enterprises. Given the external socio-economic environment, what are the different models surrounding ESG that environmental industry firms can embrace to maximize benefits and minimize downside risks.

What do SMEs have to do to get ready for ESG reporting? Particularly relevant for SMEs is the adoption of ESG at the top of supply chains. If a large industry operators or retailers have made various ESG commitments, they will surely apply these downwards throughout the supply chain. SMEs need to be prepared to ensure they don’t become less competitive. What does this mean and how do organizations implement ESG strategies?

Help get answers to these questions in this highly interactive session with a subject matter expert.

Trainer Bio: Dr. Tom Cooper

Tom has significant consulting expertise with over twenty years’ experience in the field. He is currently a professor of Strategic Management at Memorial, teaching governance at a MBA level. Prior to taking his position at Memorial University, Tom worked as a senior manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Performance Improvement Consulting and advisory practice in the United Kingdom and was team leader of their Governance, Risk and Compliance Financial Services practice. Since returning to Newfoundland and Labrador he has worked with a wide range of clients across different sectors predominantly focusing on strategic planning, training, and performance improvement. He is a Certified Management Consultant and teaches on the ICD program out of Rotman in Toronto. He is the past Chair of Food First Newfoundland and Labrador and sits on their executive committee, past Chair of SmartICE, and currently the Public Representative on both the boards of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Newfoundland and Labrador as well as the Provincial Health Research Ethics Authority Board for Genetics.

Registration

Date: February 29, 2024
Location: econext Boardroom (235 Water Street, 2nd Floor), St. John’s, NL

Cost
econext Members: $415 + HST
Non-Members: $555 + HST

To register, please email Ogaga Johnson at ogaga@econext.ca.

Webinar – Introduction to ESG Strategies and Tactics

Posted on by kieran

econext is pleased to announce an informative webinar session introducing the fundamental concepts and strategies of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) for Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This session, instructed by Dr. Tom Cooper, serves as a gateway to understanding the importance of ESG, exploring key tactics, and highlighting the potential benefits – and pitfalls – associated with them for your business. Through practical examples you will gain valuable insights and inspiration to help you embark on your ESG journey.

Date: July 19, 2023
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 NDT
Location: Online
Cost: FREE!

For more information on this event, please contact our Director of Workforce Development, Ogaga Johnson, via e-mail at ogaga@econext.ca.

Register Here

TRAINING COURSE: Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Project Management

Posted on by kieran

econext’s Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Project Management course provides practitioners with project management skills and resources through the lens of an environmental professional and customized to the regulatory conditions and requirements of Newfoundland and Labrador.

This course has been refreshed and retooled to reflect the changing regulatory frameworks and environmental expectations in both Canadian and Newfoundland and Labrador jurisdictions.

The 1-Day course includes the following modules:

Project Management Principles – A Refresher
This module re-familiarizes participants with the foundations project management necessary in order to view the practice through an environmental lens. This module includes a detailed review of the project lifecycle (the five phases of project management) and the ten project management skill areas.

Detailed Overview of the Regulatory Environment in NL
This module outlines the regulatory environment environmental professionals operate in specific to Newfoundland and Labrador. The instructor offers insight into how to navigate and interface with legislation and regulatory agencies at the provincial and federal level, the relevant regulatory agencies, the environmental assessment process, permitting frameworks, guidance documents and codes of practice, and stakeholders.

Environmental Compliance Considerations for Projects
This module provides participants with a working understand of specific compliance considerations for project components typical in Newfoundland and Labrador. While not every component will be relevant to every student and their current project, this overview will serve as an excellent resource for future work. Topics include (but are not limited to): surveying, clearing, quarries and borrow areas, culverts, waste management, drilling (geotechnical and marine environment), dust control, noise control, contingency plans, etc.

Environmental Management Systems
This module introduces the environmental management system and how they help organizations manage their environmental impacts and improve environmental performance caused by their products, services and activities through training, record management, inspections, objectives and policies. The PDCA cycle and the ISO 14000 standard are introduced and their impacts on environmental and regulatory project management are explored.

Tools for Environmental and Regulatory Project Management
This module summarizes the previous sections, addressing how environmental and regulatory compliance factor in to project management. Specific tools and guides are introduced to help course participants navigate environmental project management. These resources will be attached to the course materials as an appendix, and will be available for download in digital format for course participants.

Registration

Date: November 25, 2022
Location: St. John’s, NL

Cost:
$315 + HST for econext members
$445 + HST for non-members

Registration is open. Contact kieran@econext.ca to register.

About the Instructor

Brian Taite, M.A.Sc., CRSP, P.Eng.

Brian is an accomplished and dedicated health, safety, environmental, regulatory and quality professional with over 30 years’ experience in the energy, construction, and mining sectors. Brian has been a consultant to a number of major mining and energy companies, government agencies and private industry for emergency preparedness and response, incident investigation, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, Auditing, SHEQ planning and technical integrity assurance.

Brian was educated at Memorial University and was admitted to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1992, Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering in 1994 and Masters of Applied Science in Environmental Engineering in 1999.

Brian has been associated with econext since the mid 1990’s having worked as an environmental consultant for over a decade in Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2006 he took on new challenges in his career in asset management with Shell Oil in the UK and Netherlands for over five years. Returning to St. John’s he worked with AMEC as a senior environmental engineer and was soon after seconded to the IOC mine in Labrador City for his first experience in the mining sector. In 2012 Brian continued his mining experience with Vale’s Long Harbour Processing Plant as the Operations Environmental Supervisor. In 2014 Brian joined WorleyParsons to develop an Environmental Management System for Alderon’s Kami Mine project and soon after took on a role as Environment & Regulatory Manager for the Hebron Topsides Project. In late 2017, Brian went back to consulting at Pinchin Ltd. as Team Leader, Environmental Due Diligence and Remediation before taking on his current role as Environmental Advisor – NSB Energy in June of 2019. Brian is currently the SSHE Advisor with the Hibernia Management Development Company (HMDC).

Contaminated Sites Health & Safety Refresher (8-Hour Hazwoper)

Posted on by kieran

econext, in partnership with Atlantic Environmental Training & On-Site Services Inc., annually conducts an 8-Hour HAZWOPER refresher (hazardous waste operations & emergency response) training course.

NEXT COURSE:

Dates: November 15, 2024

  • Member price – $500.00 + hst
  • Non Member price – $600.00 + hst

Register: Contact us at info@econext.ca

Location: St. John’s, NL

Please note: A $150.00 + hst non-refundable (administration) charge will apply to registrant cancellations following the deadline date (November 1, 2024). A full refund will be granted if the course is cancelled.

This course is for anyone who has completed an OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER training course or the 8 Hour Refresher within the last 2 years.

COURSE DETAILS:

Also known as the 8 hour contaminated sites course, this training is compliant with the requirements of the OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.120 HAZWOPER. Successful completion of the classroom and practical exercises will result in ‘certification’ for the attendees. This certification is recognized in the US and Canada for work performed at uncontrolled waste sites. DCC and PWGSC are now requiring contractors to have this certification to qualify for some tenders involving hazmat. Course content is compliant with 29 CFR 1910.120(e) which satisfies municipal, provincial and federal requirements for health and safety training for site workers at uncontrolled waste sites in the US and Canada.

This course is for anyone who has completed an OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER training course or the 8 Hour Refresher within the last 2 years. A copy of your current certificate must be submitted to econext if AET was not the previous certifying company. For information on the 40-hour course, click here.

About Atlantic Environmental Training & On-Site Services Inc. (AET)

Atlantic Environmental Training & On-Site Services Incorporated (AET) is a Nova Scotia company with over forty years of experience in regulatory compliance, environmental training and project management of environmental issues. AET is Atlantic Canada’s largest provider of HAZWOPER training and a leader in Canada providing Hazmat Awareness and Spill Response Training to DND, industry and numerous government agencies from coast to coast.

Areas of expertise include:

  • EMS development & implementation
  • development and implementation of environmental training courses
  • environmental auditing including ISO 14000 series audits
  • hazardous waste management including PCB wastes
  • environmental health and safety planning
  • pollution prevention and sustainable development
  • conducting environmental assessments
  • environmental project management
  • development of household hazardous waste collection programs.
  • Staff currently hold a number of certifications including Certified Environmental Auditor (ISO 14000), Certified EMS Lead Auditor, Certified NFPA 472 Operations Level; TDGA and WHMIS Trainer, econext Certified Environmental Trainer (USA Standard), Certified Environmental Technician and DFO Certification in Engineering and Aquatic Environments.

Training courses offered by AET include:

  • 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Training (HAZWOPER)
  • Environmental Awareness and Environmental Assessment Training
  • Environmental Liabilities and Due Diligence
  • Environmental Management Systems
  • Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations (TDGA)
  • NFPA 472 Awareness & Operations Level

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.

    • Webinar: Blue and Green Opportunities in the Caribbean Basin

    Posted on by kieran

    This webinar summarizes research undertaken by econext that explores the emerging blue and green opportunities in Caribbean markets that are specifically relevant to Atlantic Canadian capabilities. Presented by the study’s expert authors.

    In 2020 econext commissioned a report with the objective to (1) provide an overview of current strategies and specific program and project development in the Caribbean pertaining to the blue and green economy, and (2) gain an understanding of how capabilities within Atlantic Canada might be applicable.

    Join International Business Development Consultant Amber Mackereth, Dr. Angus Friday (Atlantean Inc.), Bill Chislett (MI International), and Marlene Power (MI International) who authored the report to present on their findings and provide relevant updates and developments in from 2020-21.

    Access the webinar for free HERE

    A copy of the full report can be accessed by contacting econext’s COO and International Business Manager, Abbie Hodder at Abbie@econext.ca

    TRAINING: Contaminated Sites Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER)

    Posted on by kieran

    Click here for more information on the 8-hour refresher, taking place October 1, 2021.

    Click here here for more information on the 40-hour course, taking place October 4-8, 2021.