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Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
October 13, 2011

Ocean Week Highlights Local Sector

The global prominence of Newfoundland and Labrador’s ocean technology sector is being highlighted during Ocean Week (October 9-15) through a series of events, including an international shipping conference.

“Newfoundland and Labrador’s ocean technology sector is at the forefront of developing technologies that maximize the potential of ocean industries throughout the world,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. “On the provincial stage, the sector’s continued growth is helping us to better optimize and manage our offshore industries, leading to exciting new career opportunities for youth, and contributing to the local economy. As ocean industries continue to grow, the future is bright for our innovative products and services.”

The ninth annual Ocean Week is coordinated by the City of St. John’s. It is focused on increasing awareness and opportunities for networking and business development among the ocean technology sector and their associated business interests.

"As a city, we recognize the value of ocean industries and believe that they will continue to play a critical role in our economic future," said Dennis O'Keefe, Mayor of St. John’s. "We are pleased to celebrate how important ocean industries are to our community by coordinating the Ocean Week activities and providing a wide variety of events for both industry and our residents to enjoy."

Arctic Shipping North America, which took place October 12 and 13 in St. John’s, highlighted the week’s activities and attracted approximately 160 delegates. Delegates discussed issues such as strategies for operating in ice-covered waters; operational and regulatory challenges with shipping through the Arctic; and the future of communications and aids to navigation to improve safety and access to Arctic trade routes.

Other industry and public events include a North Atlantic Forum at Memorial University’s Harris Centre October 13-15, an Ocean Film Night on October 13, and a Lecture at the A.C. Hunter Library on October 12. Dr. David Murrin, Executive Director for the Centre for Arctic Resources Development will speak at the National Research Council-Institute for Ocean Technology on October 13.

“I hope that over the course of the week, those currently working in the ocean technology sector, as well as those targeting the sector for new business or career opportunities are able to participate in some of these events,” said Minister Sullivan. “It is a positive time in Newfoundland and Labrador’s ocean technology sector. This week’s activities will help increase awareness of some of that positive activity.”

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Media contacts:

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade
and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
Heather Mills Snow
Department of Economic Development,
Tourism and Culture
City of St. John's
709-576-6117

2011 10 13                                   1:35 p.m.

 
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