Exploring opportunities in Arctic and harsh environments

By Krista Davidson | Jan. 26, 2015

Memorial University will highlight both opportunities and challenges related to living, working and training in Labrador and the Arctic regions at the Northern Exposure 2015 Labrador Opportunity Conference & Trade Show Jan. 27-29 at the Delta St. John’s Hotel and Mile One Centre.

Northern Exposure 2015 is a biennial three-day conference and trade show event hosted by the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce. The event brings together local and Canadian companies and other organizations seeking to learn more about the growing economic opportunities in Labrador.

Researchers, educators and leaders from public and private sectors from all over Canada will explore a variety of topics at the event, including the Muskrat Falls project, Aboriginal participation in major resource development opportunities, the Voisey’s Bay underground mining project and marketing and business opportunities unique to the region, as well as provide an overview of the progress being made to establish a cultural centre for Nunatsiavut.

“Memorial’s support for and presence at this conference demonstrates our commitment to serving the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and helping to grow the economy through vital industries located in these regions,” said Dr. Gary Kachanoski, president and vice-chancellor, Memorial University. “Memorial researchers and faculty members are playing a key role in identifying solutions and answers for the many challenges and opportunities for working, training and residing in harsh and Arctic environments.”

“Industrial activity in the Northern and Arctic regions have expanded considerably in the past decade, creating a myriad of opportunities for business and resource development, job creation and population growth,” said Dr. Keith Chaulk, director,  Labrador Institute, Memorial University. “While this creates significant opportunities, it is also crucial that researchers, policy-makers and businesspeople come together to ensure growth and prosperity for the North. This conference presents such opportunity to collaborate and build relationships.”

Dr. Chaulk, who also serves as vice-president, Indigenous, University of the Arctic, a co-operative network of organizations concerned with education and research in and about the North, will present his views on how place-based education and research are critical to Northern innovation, diversification and sustainable economic development on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 2:40 p.m. at the Delta St. John’s Hotel.

Memorial University is supporting the conference through sponsorship of a breakfast session with keynote speaker Darryl Shiwak, minister, Lands and Natural Resources, Nunatsiavut Government, on Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Delta St. John’s Hotel.

Memorial will also participate in the Northern Exposure 2015 Trade Show, demonstrating capabilities in research, education and training as they pertain to harsh and Arctic environments. These include health and safety research and training, training and R&D in marine transportation and harsh environments, climate change research, traditional knowledge projects and the study of Indigenous music, culture and creative arts, as well as a variety of many other specialized areas that span across Memorial’s various campuses, sites and affiliates.

For more details about the conference or to view a list of presentations, please visit www.ne2015.com.   


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