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.

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