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Innovation, Business and Rural Development
October 19, 2012

Ocean Technology Sector Capturing Global Opportunities

As interest in the world’s ocean industries intensifies, Newfoundland and Labrador’s ocean technology sector is strategically positioned to be at the forefront of industry growth. It is these opportunities and the significance to the local economy that is being highlighted during Ocean Week, Sunday, October 21, to Saturday, October 27.

“For generations, the ocean has been the social and economic heart of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “Whether it is the fishery, oil and gas exploration, or developing innovative technologies used around the world, the ocean remains an important contributor to the economic diversity and social well-being of Newfoundland and Labrador. The world-class products, expertise and capacity being developed and cultivated here are creating exciting new career opportunities locally and business opportunities internationally.”

Organized by the City of St. John’s, the 10th annual Ocean Week strives to increase greater awareness of the opportunities, accomplishments and growth in Newfoundland and Labrador’s ocean technology sector. In addition to seminars and workshops, a number of conferences are taking place throughout the week including the Ocean Innovation Conference, Canadian Underwater Conference and Exhibition, and the World Energy Cities Partnership Annual General Meeting.

“St. John’s was born as a fishing community hundreds of years ago and our ties to the ocean are just as strong and ingrained into our economy and cultural identity today as they have ever been,” said Mayor Dennis O’Keefe. “St. John’s has garnered an international reputation for its considerable expertise in ocean technology and research. One of the sectors seeing increased economic growth has been with local ocean research, technology and engineering companies. In particular, local expertise in harsh environments is giving St. John’s and the province as a whole increased opportunities in other jurisdictions, including the Canadian North.”

As highlighted in the Provincial Government’s five-year strategy Oceans of Opportunity, govern industry, business, and academia, are working closely to accelerate the growth of the sector.

“The Provincial Government’s commitment to advancing the ocean technology sector is unwavering,” said Minister Hutchings. “The creation of a dedicated ocean technology branch and Assistant Deputy Minister’s position in my department reflects the importance that we, as a government, are placing on maximizing the sector’s full potential. The opportunities and possibilities for even additional growth are as vast and deep as the ocean itself. Through continued partnership and collaboration the sector will continue to reach new heights from exploring the ocean depths.”

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Media contacts:

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Business
and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
Jennifer Mills
Communications Officer
City of St. John's
709-570-2037
jmills@stjohns.ca

2012 10 19                         4:10 p.m.

 
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