Executive Council
Innovation, Business and Rural Development
Natural Resources
May 7, 2014
Innovation in Ocean Technology Positions Province as Pathway to the Arctic
Premier Announces Province will Host Major Arctic Conference in 2016
Newfoundland and Labrador has been chosen to host the prestigious Arctic Technology Conference (ATC), an Arctic-focused expansion of the Offshore Technology Conference, in 2016. The annual Arctic Technology Conference provides a worldwide platform for industry, business and academia to network and share ideas, research and cutting edge technology to overcome the challenges for operating in the world’s harshest climate.
“Newfoundland and Labrador is a leader in exploring new frontiers and in recent decades has become synonymous with offshore oil and gas. With our rich heritage rooted in the Arctic, we have long recognized the potential in the Arctic. Ideally located on international and northern sea routes with operational expertise in remote and Arctic-like conditions and industrial infrastructure to support our growing energy sector, Newfoundland and Labrador is an ideal proving ground for Arctic-related opportunities. We are happy St. John’s has been chosen to host this significant conference which will focus on cutting edge technologies and innovative practices needed for the exploration and production of natural resources in harsh and cold environments while emphasizing respect for northern peoples and the environment.”
- The Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
The annual conference typically draws over 1,000 delegates and roughly 100 exhibitors from around the world.
“Newfoundland and Labrador is the path to the Arctic and ideal staging ground for Arctic-related activities. It is also home to well-established industrial infrastructure and research and development capacity that is industry proven and holds the potential to invite greater economic benefits. Through our Arctic Opportunities Initiative, we are planning for Arctic development, building knowledge and capacity, creating international awareness about Newfoundland and Labrador’s expertise and capabilities, and facilitating meaningful partnerships. Hosting ATC in 2016 will further this work.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
The Arctic Technology Conference is built upon the Offshore Technology Conference’s successful multidisciplinary approach with 14 technical societies and organizations working together to deliver the world’s most comprehensive Arctic event.
“The energy sector in Newfoundland and Labrador is driving one of the country’s leading economies. Our province will play an integral role in future Arctic activity, particularly in the oil and gas sector, with our geographic location, knowledge of challenging offshore environments, world-class infrastructure and educational institutions, research and development capacity, and innovative business community. We look forward to participating in ATC.”
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources
The Provincial Government has participated in all three ATC events to date, and from the inaugural event in 2011, along with the City of St. John’s, has shown keen interest in bringing the prestigious conference to St. John’s.
“Destination St. John's is thrilled with securing this conference. This points to the strong partnership between Destination St. John’s, the City of St. John’s and the Provincial Government.”
- Cathy Duke, CEO, Destination St. John’s
In addition to securing the Arctic Technology Conference in 2016, Newfoundland and Labrador will host the prestigious OCEANS’14 conference, with more than 1,200 delegates and 150 exhibitors from around the world expected to be in attendance. Taking place in September 2014, this will be the largest oceans conference ever hosted in this province.
QUICK FACTS
- Newfoundland and Labrador has been chosen to host the prestigious Arctic Technology Conference (ATC), an Arctic-focused expansion of the Offshore Technology Conference, in 2016.
- The annual Arctic Technology Conference provides a worldwide platform for industry, business and academia to network, share ideas, research and cutting edge technology to overcome the challenges for operating in the world’s harshest climate.
- The annual conference typically draws over 1,000 delegates and roughly 100 exhibitors from around the world.
- Through the Arctic Opportunities Initiative, the Provincial Government is identifying opportunities in the Arctic, building knowledge and capacity, creating international awareness about Newfoundland and Labrador’s expertise and capabilities, and facilitating meaningful partnerships.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
| Milly Brown Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3570 millybrown@gov.nl.ca |
Tracey Boland Press Secretary Office of the Premier 709-729-4304, 697-3128 TraceyBoland@gov.nl.ca |
| Jennifer Tulk Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 728-4104 jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca |
Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5282, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca |
| Rhonda Hutton Director of Marketing Destination St. John’s 709-739-8876 rhutton@destinationstjohns.com |
2014 05 07 4:30 p.m.