econext helping to define Atlantic Canada’s green jobs

For Immediate Release
June 30, 2021

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA), in partnership with the Maritimes Energy Association (MEA), is leading an effort to define how ‘green jobs’ will take shape in Atlantic Canada.

“The energy transition and the greening of the economy look different depending on where in the world you are,” says Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director.

Hanley says that the makeup of regional economies, including their current industrial structure and future growth potential, have a substantial impact on what the unique workforce transition opportunities may be.

“Atlantic Canada has a unique economy within Canada; we don’t have an excellent sense of what a ‘green job’ means in that context,” says Hanley.

Hanley said it is clear that governments and financial markets around the world are moving quickly to support clean growth activities. “There is some urgency here for us to figure this out so that we can adequately support our workforce to thrive in a low-carbon future.”

“The Maritimes Energy Association is pleased to provide our input on this project,” said Jennifer Tuck, MEA’s CEO. “The greening of the Atlantic Canadian economy will support economic development in the energy sector and beyond.”

NEIA and MEA are partnered with ECO Canada with support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) in its work, and will be engaging broadly throughout the region in the months ahead using the international Labour Organization’s definition of a green job as a guide:

“Green jobs are decent jobs that contribute to preserve or restore the environment, be they in traditional sectors such as manufacturing and construction, or in new, emerging green sectors such as renewable energy and energy efficiency. Green jobs help: 1) improve energy and raw materials efficiency, 2) limit greenhouse gas emissions, 3) minimize waste and pollution, 4) protect and restore ecosystems, and/or 5) support adaptation to the effects of climate change.”

“If you or your organization has ideas on what green jobs will be emerging in Atlantic Canada, we would welcome your insight”.

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 http://www.neia.org.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley, Executive Director, econext
kieran@econext.ca