ABROAD

Foundations for Sustainable Business Development

26th of September in Whitehorse, Canada

Photo Credit: Travel Yukon

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.

Where: Yukonstruct Society, 2180 2nd Avenue, Whitehorse
When: 09:00 – 13:00 (Doors open at 8:30am) 
All times are in Mountain Standard Time (UTC-7)
Join us live from Whitehorse! Tune in from anywhere to hear from leading experts as they discussthe topics of the day.

Program Overview

09:00 Welcoming and Opening Remarks

Confirmed Speakers:

  • 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

09:15 Fireside Chat with Yukon Senator and Yukon Premier

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

09:35 Digital Infrastructure Developments and Challenges

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

11:00 Innovation for a Sustainable North

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

Moderator: Anu Fredrikson

12:00 The Importance of Community Resilience

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

Moderator: Anu Fredrikson

This program is designed to foster collaboration and innovation in Arctic regions, addressing key issues in connectivity, energy, and community resilience.

 

Meet our Speakers

Meet our Moderator

Anu Fredrikson

Ms Fredrikson is the Executive Director of Arctic Frontiers, overseeing all team operations and representing the organization in Norway and internationally. She brings a wealth of experience in Arctic issues from her previous roles, including Director of the Arctic Economic Council and Advisor for Political Affairs and Arctic Policy at the Embassy of Finland to Norway.

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