The oceans are an integral part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural and economic heritage — and a critical part of its future.
The Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University, or MI as we are known, looks to the future while anchoring to the province’s rich history. Since its inception in 1964, MI has been a catalyst for innovative training, education and applied research in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Long before there were conversations about the United Nations’ Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development or the Blue Economy, MI was a driver of sustainable economic development in the oceans sector.
The institute’s mission is to “foster economic development in strategic sectors of the Newfoundland and Labrador economy, particularly the fisheries and offshore, and to enable Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to participate in the marine industry nationally and internationally.”
Our most recent strategic planning process included consulting with local, national and international industry leaders and analyzing the oceans education ecosystem. The resulting strategic plan focuses on applied academics, technology, industrial solutions, knowledge generation and people — and aligns with Memorial University’s strategic plan, “Transforming Our Horizons.”
Our focus is on proactive programs, inspired learning, dynamic research, commitment to communities and promoting our pride in our university. These strategic plans are rooted in people and place.
Our three schools — ocean technology, maritime studies and fisheries — provide opportunities to convene innovative oceans education, training and applied research. Our more than 400 industry focused short courses provide a road map unequalled for continuing studies and micro credentials in the oceans sector.
Over the past five years, MI has created four new master’s degrees and two PhD programs – something the people of this province should be proud of. These programs contribute to unprecedented growth in student enrollment. With a recent undergraduate certificate in leadership supported by the Fry Family Foundation and a signed MOU with the Royal Canadian Navy to further civil-military partnerships, MI is well positioned to guide the next generation of leaders in Newfoundland and Labrador.
And it doesn’t stop there. Through our six applied research centres we have created incredible opportunity to partner with communities throughout the province, the rest of Canada and around the world in sustainable fisheries research, ocean innovation, and marine education in safety, security and wellness.
MI is also home to the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation, a separately incorporated entity of Memorial that brings industry and academia together to seek solutions to industry questions.
MI does not rest on its laurels. It is home to creative instructors, researchers, brilliant students, and partnerships with industry and communities at home and around the world. It is truly a portal to the oceans for Canada.
Most recently that portal became visibly obvious with the realization of a long standing dream to build an oceans innovation hub for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, industry partners, students and researchers and Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Our Holyrood Marine Base was recently renamed The Launch.
This is not just a re-branding exercise but rather a signal that we are taking our collective expertise in applied research, oceans education and industrial training to the world. This a true “field of dreams” moment. Our partnership with the town of Holyrood, federal and provincial government partners and industry partners will allow us to build on the success of oceans innovation and create economic development opportunities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
We were also very proud to name the new oceans innovation building at The Launch the Dr. Arthur W. May Building.
It is a fitting tribute to Memorial University’s former president and vice-chancellor whose passion for oceans research as a fisheries biologist, was only equalled by his support for oceans education, training and applied research.
As we stay true to our historic mission of economic development in the oceans sector, I am proud to say that we are convening a virtual symposium called “Propelling the Blue Economy: Connecting Our Oceans, Our People, Our Future” for scientists, researchers, government representatives, industry stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, Indigenous and coastal communities to exchange and share their experiences and ideas on all aspects of The United Nations Ocean Decade.
We endeavour to fulfill our place as a world innovator.
Memorial University’s motto – Provehito in Altum – eloquently states “Launch forth into the deep.” Indeed, we are launching the next generation of student leaders in the oceans, launching oceans innovation and launching economic development for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Let’s all launch forth together!
Dr. Robert Shea Vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute), pro tempore
OTTAWA – Statistics Canada says wholesale sales, excluding petroleum, petroleum products, and other hydrocarbons and excluding oilseed and grain, rose 0.4 per cent to $82.7 billion in July.
The increase came as sales in the miscellaneous subsector gained three per cent to reach $10.5 billion in July, helped by strength in the agriculture supplies industry group, which rose 9.2 per cent.
The food, beverage and tobacco subsector added 1.7 per cent to total $15 billion in July.
The personal and household goods subsector fell 2.5 per cent to $12.1 billion.
In volume terms, overall wholesale sales rose 0.5 per cent in July.
Statistics Canada started including oilseed and grain as well as the petroleum and petroleum products subsector as part of wholesale trade last year, but is excluding the data from monthly analysis until there is enough historical data.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2024.
VICTORIA – British Columbia is forecasting a record budget deficit and a rising debt of almost $129 billion less than two weeks before the start of a provincial election campaign where economic stability and future progress are expected to be major issues.
Finance Minister Katrine Conroy, who has announced her retirement and will not seek re-election in the Oct. 19 vote, said Tuesday her final budget update as minister predicts a deficit of $8.9 billion, up $1.1 billion from a forecast she made earlier this year.
Conroy said she acknowledges “challenges” facing B.C., including three consecutive deficit budgets, but expected improved economic growth where the province will start to “turn a corner.”
The $8.9 billion deficit forecast for 2024-2025 is followed by annual deficit projections of $6.7 billion and $6.1 billion in 2026-2027, Conroy said at a news conference outlining the government’s first quarterly financial update.
Conroy said lower corporate income tax and natural resource revenues and the increased cost of fighting wildfires have had some of the largest impacts on the budget.
“I want to acknowledge the economic uncertainties,” she said. “While global inflation is showing signs of easing and we’ve seen cuts to the Bank of Canada interest rates, we know that the challenges are not over.”
Conroy said wildfire response costs are expected to total $886 million this year, more than $650 million higher than originally forecast.
Corporate income tax revenue is forecast to be $638 million lower as a result of federal government updates and natural resource revenues are down $299 million due to lower prices for natural gas, lumber and electricity, she said.
Debt-servicing costs are also forecast to be $344 million higher due to the larger debt balance, the current interest rate and accelerated borrowing to ensure services and capital projects are maintained through the province’s election period, said Conroy.
B.C.’s economic growth is expected to strengthen over the next three years, but the timing of a return to a balanced budget will fall to another minister, said Conroy, who was addressing what likely would be her last news conference as Minister of Finance.
The election is expected to be called on Sept. 21, with the vote set for Oct. 19.
“While we are a strong province, people are facing challenges,” she said. “We have never shied away from taking those challenges head on, because we want to keep British Columbians secure and help them build good lives now and for the long term. With the investments we’re making and the actions we’re taking to support people and build a stronger economy, we’ve started to turn a corner.”
Premier David Eby said before the fiscal forecast was released Tuesday that the New Democrat government remains committed to providing services and supports for people in British Columbia and cuts are not on his agenda.
Eby said people have been hurt by high interest costs and the province is facing budget pressures connected to low resource prices, high wildfire costs and struggling global economies.
The premier said that now is not the time to reduce supports and services for people.
Last month’s year-end report for the 2023-2024 budget saw the province post a budget deficit of $5.035 billion, down from the previous forecast of $5.9 billion.
Eby said he expects government financial priorities to become a major issue during the upcoming election, with the NDP pledging to continue to fund services and the B.C. Conservatives looking to make cuts.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 10, 2024.
Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version said the debt would be going up to more than $129 billion. In fact, it will be almost $129 billion.
NANAIMO, B.C. – Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney says he’ll be advising the Liberal party to flip some the challenges posed by an increasingly divided and dangerous world into an economic opportunity for Canada.
But he won’t say what his specific advice will be on economic issues that are politically divisive in Canada, like the carbon tax.
He presented his vision for the Liberals’ economic policy at the party’s caucus retreat in Nanaimo, B.C. today, after he agreed to help the party prepare for the next election as chair of a Liberal task force on economic growth.
Carney has been touted as a possible leadership contender to replace Justin Trudeau, who has said he has tried to coax Carney into politics for years.
Carney says if the prime minister asks him to do something he will do it to the best of his ability, but won’t elaborate on whether the new adviser role could lead to him adding his name to a ballot in the next election.
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says she has been taking advice from Carney for years, and that his new position won’t infringe on her role.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 10, 2024.
