Revitalizing our economy through the innovative use of ocean resources Canadian Ocean Frontier Research Initiative Coastal Community Network Northwest Maritime Institute

Northern and Coastal Residents Invited to Participate in May Conference

Organizers of Ocean Opportunities for Tomorrow invite northern and coastal residents to a conference designed to kickstart ocean-based economies. It s a chance to do for development what the Northern Transportation Corridor Conference did in resolving long-standing transportation issues.

People are invited to help identify the best opportunities for economic benefits, and develop action plans designed to make that happen. Many studies and forums have identified the barriers to economic development in resource-dependent communities. Ocean Opportunities for Tomorrow intend to foster plans that will overcome the barriers, and move to the next stage of problem solving.

Join speakers, decision-makers and delegates from across the country who have had direct experience in resolving the issues that face northern and coastal residents. It will make for lively and informed discussion.

The Ocean Opportunities for Tomorrow conference takes place in Prince Rupert on May 13-14, 1998.

Topics will include various aspects of fisheries and seafood, tourism, petroleum exploration and sea-floor resources, and value-added opportunities. The resulting action plans will be the start of continued work on key projects by groups and individuals.

Ocean Opportunities for Tomorrow is being organized by the Canadian Ocean Frontier Research Institute (COFRI), the Coastal Community Network (CCN), and the Northwest Maritime Institute (NWMI).

For more information about the conference, call Jo Mrozewski, (250) 624-9579, jomro@citytel.net.

Revitalizing our economy through the innovative use of ocean resources

Canadian Ocean Frontier Research Initiative Coastal Community Network Northwest Maritime Institute

Economic Conference Attracting Key Figures to the Northwest

Leaders among business, government, research and community groups are lending their support, energy and time to Ocean Opportunities For Tomorrow.

This list of speakers and delegates offers a very wide range of expertise and experience on

• issues ranging from
• alternatives to traditional fisheries
• petroleum exploration and sea-floor resources
• tourism
• value-added opportunities
• funding and logistics of development

The presence of key figures in the use of ocean-based resources will make the discussion and action planning at the conference a unique exercise in overcoming long-standing hurdles in coastal development. This promises to be a key event in the future of Prince Rupert and the Northwest, in the same way that the Northwest Transportation Corridor Conference led to significant solutions to long-standing transportation-related issues.

We urge Northwest residents and business people to work with these national and international figures in finding solutions to coastal issues.

Here are some speakers who are lending their knowledge and influence to the initiative:

• Senator Pat Carney, champion of coastal issues, and a key minister involved in the Hibernia Oil Project in Newfoundland
• Cynthia Williams, Assistant Deputy Minister, Indian Affairs and Northern Development
• Jim Dietrich, Geological Survey of Canada, scientific researcher in the oil and gas potential of Hecate Strait,
• Russell Wills, Cognetics International Research Inc., a consultant in many international development projects,
• Steven Cross, Aquametrix Ltd., expert in aquaculture R&D and marine environment impact assessment
• Glenn Blackwood, President, Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation, a new group working to revitalize Newfoundland s economy,
• Jim Reichert, President, Science Council of B.C.

The list is growing as we receive confirmations from significant decision makers in a range of sectors. For more information, and the latest conference news, contact.

Jo Mrozewski
250-624-9579
jomro@citytel.net
You can visit our website at www.citytel.net/library/ocean.