Norway, Canada and Sustainable Development: Science, Policy, Infrastructure, Business and Blue Economy
- 10/05/2023
- 9:00 am
- Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ottawa
Canada and Norway possess the longest and second longest coastlines in the world, spanning approximately 344,000 kilometers combined. Both countries hold untapped potential for ocean growth and boast strong policies, research, and business developments in the blue economy sector.
Arctic Frontiers and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ottawa hosted two days of discussions on policy, science, infrastructure, and business in the High North, focusing specifically on Canada and Norway. This event promoted greater cooperation between the two High North regions and provided a platform for exchanging information and recognizing emerging issues in the fields of policy, science, and business.
On Wednesday, May 10, 2023, we were in Ottawa to host an evening reception, bringing together young professionals from across the North Atlantic.
On the morning of Thursday, May 11, 2023, we held panel discussions focused on the Norwegian chairmanship of the Arctic Council, addressing policy decisions and challenges across various sectors of the Blue Economy.
We then traveled to Montreal on Friday, May 12, 2023, for discussions centered on scientific and research developments in the Blue Economy and the businesses supporting these advancements, including data services and infrastructure.
Advancing the Arctic Blue Economy through Innovation and Partnership
Blue economy refers to maximising the economic value of the oceans with sustainability and preservation at the centre of the activities. A blue economy can provide additional effects including social development, improved well-being and biodiversity protection. Additionally, much of the funding and research is going into small and medium sized enterprises (SME) and startups, and blue economy has a huge potential in the Arctic.
A sustainable ocean and blue economy benefit many sectors including aquaculture, infrastructure, technology, Indigenous and Traditional livelihoods, transport, energy, security, research and education.
Canada and Norway note their close relationship concerning sustainable management of marine resources, as well as technological knowledge and biological research in their 2008 Memorandum of Understanding on fisheries and oceans. A number of additional agreements and bilateral projects have produced a strong relationship between the two North Atlantic nations, and produced excellence in the fields of ocean technology, innovation and growth.
Program
Norway will assume the Arctic Council Chairmanship on May 11th, and the first fireside chat will feature Norway’s Ambassador to Canada, Jon E. Fredriksen, alongside a virtual introduction from President Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk of the Inuit Circumpolar Council. This discussion will address the priorities for the Norwegian Chairmanship.
The second panel will focus on ocean policy developments to support economic growth and the protection of oceans.
What data and knowledge gaps still exist that could aid decision-making? In certain areas, businesses are leading the way toward sustainable economic development, outpacing both science and policy.
Both small startups and large enterprises are shifting their focus to opportunities in the ocean. However, can policy changes encourage or restrict innovation in the blue economy sector?
Confirmed Speakers:
Dr. Bill Karp, President, International Council on the Exploration of the Seas
David Kiemele, Managing Director, Cermaq Canada
Dr. Jackie Dawson, ArcticNet & University of Ottowa
Martin Skedsmo, Key Account Manager, Kongsberg Satellite Services
This panel will focus on land-based opportunities. The Canadian Arctic coastline is less accessible, and many economic developments are concentrated on land in the High North.
But what does this mean for local communities and Indigenous populations living there? Are cluster companies offering innovative tools and support for development in the Arctic, and how does policy affect technology, society, and opportunities?
Confirmed Speakers:
Kimberly Lavoie, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Natural Resources Canada
Monica Paulsen, Cluster Manager, Arctic Cluster Team
Liz Peredun, Executive Director, Yukon Women in Trades and Technology
Crystal Martin-Lapenskie, President and CEO, Okpik Consulting
Both Norway and Canada are dedicated to creating new knowledge that can be used to advance scientific understanding and benefit the people living and working in the High North and Arctic.
The first panel gathers experts from the latest research in oceans, climate, and biodiversity to discuss science infrastructure services.
How are science and infrastructure tightly linked? What more can be done to harness the power of the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans?
Confirmed Speakers:
Dr. Amanda Savoie, The Centre for Arctic Knowledge & Exploration
Martin Skedsmo, Key Account Manager, Kongsberg Satellite Services
Prof. Philippe Archambault, ArcticNet
Prof. Bruno Tremblay, McGill University
The second panel will focus on business opportunities and sustainable development of the High North.
How can northern communities and Indigenous groups become better involved in advancing research and innovation?
Research can be quickly applied and transferred to operations. In some areas, businesses are leading the way for sustainable economic developments, ahead of science and policy. What are some of the newest opportunities for development and what research is needed to support that?
Opportunities and challenges that both Norway and Canada face in this sector will also be discussed.
Confirmed Speakers:
Jessica Hall, Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø (UiT) and University of Sasketchewan
Prof. George Wenzel, McGill University
Prof. Bjørn Tore Hjertaker, University of Bergen
Audrey Lapenna, Technology Leadership Program Manager, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Michael Nilssen, CEO, Norskin
