Labrador Takes Centre Stage at 2012 Northern Lights Showcase with Premier Dunderdale Among Keynote Speakers

Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the fastest-growing economies in Canada and with an explosive mining sector, an impressive energy warehouse and a rich cultural diversity, Labrador will certainly be front and centre at the Northern Lights Business and Cultural Showcase taking place this week at the Ottawa Convention Centre, February 1 – 4. The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be the keynote speaker at the luncheon on Friday, February 3 at 12:00 noon in the Ottawa Salon.

Northern Lights is a business and cultural showcase of Labrador, Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut and is considered to be Canada’s top Arctic and North event.

“I am delighted to participate in this remarkable celebration of Canada’s north, its people, its history and its future,” said Premier Dunderdale. “I am proud to see a delegation of more than 20 companies from Newfoundland and Labrador here at the showcase. Northern Lights provides an ideal opportunity for these local companies to explore prospects emerging in the Arctic and at the same time, promote their expanding capabilities and expertise to potential buyers and suppliers.”

Interest in the conference continues to grow, with over 1,000 delegates and 150 exhibitors participating this year. Sessions will cover key issues including ocean technology; major projects in mining, oil and gas; transportation; infrastructure; and, addressing labour challenges through skills development.

“Labrador is referred to as the big land and with the current boom we are seeing in the energy and resource sectors, the economic and cultural opportunities are even bigger,” said the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs. “Relationships are being formed and business deals are being discussed. I am confident that all participating organizations from Newfoundland and Labrador will realize significant benefits from this conference.”

Businesses and educational institutions attending Northern Lights realize that the economic opportunities that currently exist in the Arctic are vast and this conference provides the perfect platform for them to take advantage of new business prospects. AMEC, Aurora Energy, Cartwright Drilling, C-CORE, College of the North Atlantic, Dynamic Air Shelters Ltd., Marine Institute and Universal Helicopters are among the long list of delegates showcasing this year.

As in 2008 and 2010, the event is once again a joint venture of the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce (LNCC) and the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce (BRCC). For more information and to obtain the full conference agenda for Northern Lights 2012 Business and Cultural Showcase visit www.northernlightsottawa.com.

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2012 02 01                             4:45 p.m.