Innovation and Resilience Across the Arctic
- 26/09/2024
- 9:00 am
- Yukonstruct Society, 2180 2nd Avenue, Whitehorse
Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, is the center of innovation, local and indigenous-owned businesses, and economic development in the northern regions. New technologies and digital infrastructure are required to further business development and strengthen local capacities. However, infrastructure shortages and energy insecurity threaten further development and limit the opportunities of the local populations.
Collaboration between Northern Norway and the Yukon focuses on the sustainable development of businesses through three foundations: digital infrastructure, green energy, and resilient communities.
Arctic Frontiers and The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ottawa warmly welcome you to join us for this event. It is free to attend but registration is required for venue capacity and to receive the live recording.
Program
Chief Amanda Leas
Ta’an Kwach’an Council
Shayna Hammer
Executive Director, Yukonstruct Society
Anu Fredrikson
Executive Director, Arctic Frontiers
Jon-Åge Øyslebø
Minister Counsellor, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ottawa
Digital redlining, whereby access to digital infrastructure and technology is limited in certain geographical areas due to lower profit margins, is reducing in the rural and northern parts of Canada. Large investments and improvements have been seen across the north, but challenges for sustainable development still remain, especially in infrastructure for green energy and resilience against climate change. Such investments require the collaboration between Federal, Provincial and Local governments with private companies and local communities.
In this fireside chat, moderator Anu Fredrikson will be joined by Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai and Yukon Senator Pat Duncan, to discuss advances and future plans for Whitehorse.
Confirmed Speakers
Premier Ranj Pilai
Yukon Premier
Senator Pat Duncan
Yukon Senator
Moderator
Anu Fredrikson
Executive Director, Arctic Frontiers
Technology is no longer a stand-alone industry, but rather a part of every industry wishing to develop and progress. Access to fast, reliable internet is not only crucial for local businesses to thrive and develop, but also for communities to stay connected. The recent purchase of Northwestel by Sixty North Unity, a consortium of Indigenous businesses, could lead to greater investment in the local economy and more career opportunities.
An emerging threat to infrastructure in the north is the changing climate. Wildfires, floods and landslides are now commonplace across the Arctic, causing blackouts in internet and disruption to communities and business operations. Investment is needed in both infrastructure and our understanding of the impacts of climate change.
Confirmed Speakers
Curtis Shaw
President, Northwestel
Tiffany Eckert-Maret
President, Yukon First Nations Chamber of Commerce & President of the Yukon First Nations Teleco LP.
Dr Fabrice Calmels
Research Chair, Yukon University
Allan MacKenzie
Director, Atlantic First Nation Tech Services, IT Department of Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey (MK) (Digital)
Peder Nærbø
Founder, Bulk Infrastructure (Digital)
Moderator
Anu Fredrikson
Executive Director, Arctic Frontiers
The rural Arctic region is a challenge for the transition to green energies. Remote Canadian communities have unreliable and fossil-based energy, and northern Norway must look for more options in storage and cross-border collaboration. Infrastructure, technology and energy go hand-in-hand for a greener future. What investments are needed for sustainable energies, new technologies and fresh ideas?
Innovative solutions for more sustainable ways of working are on the rise. Young Arctic residents want options for their future, which relies on educational opportunities, job prospects and a societal role. Many young Arctic residents are leaders for their Indigenous or local communities, and actively working with other public figures for bettering their areas.
Confirmed Speakers
Dan Guhl
Chief Business Development Officer, Solvest Inc.
Kristiane Mauno Krystad
Director of Communications, Arctic Energy Partners (Digital)
Hedda Crogh
Idea Hunter, Norinnova
Stephanie Cunha
Vice President of Partnerships and Business Services, Yukon Energy
Strong, safe, resilient communities are essential in remote northern regions.
Both Norway and Canada boast numerous universities and campuses throughout the northern regions. Access to education enables cross-border collaboration opportunities and innovation within remote communities.
Additionally, universities spark new ideas, educate residents, and provide opportunities for jobs. Digital learning is also becoming increasingly popular, which further requires reliable connectivity across the Arctic regions. But how can rural regions keep skilled young people in the north and provide them with career development opportunities, and not just jobs?
Confirmed Speakers
Mayor Laura Cabott
Mayor of Whitehorse
Professor Bente Haug
Vice-Rector for UiT – The Arctic University of Norway (Digital)
Dr Bronwyn Hancock
Vice-Provost, Academic & Research, Yukon University
Ethan LaVallee
Business Development Officer, Da Daghay Development Corporation & Representative for the Assembly of First Nations Youth Council
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