CONFERENCE PROGRAM 
With promising natural resources and an experienced offshore and maritime supply chain, Canada's marine renewable energy sector is an emerging market to watch. At the same time, market intelligence and insight from more mature marine renewables markets at these earlier stages is critical for building a thriving and sustainable Canadian marine renewable energy industry.
Benefit from the experience of international businesses and capitalize on targeted networking opportunities with MRC's Ocean of Opportunities Program at the 2024 Marine Renewables Canada Conference. Activities will include an International Roundtable and Lunch, as well as an organized B2B program for international delegates and MRC members.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm | International Roundtable & Lunch
Location: Nova Scotia A&B Ballroom
Moderator: Neil McIntosh, Managing Director, Aberdeen International Associates (AIA)
Opening Remarks:
• Amanda White, Operations Director, Marine Renewables Canada
• Allison MacKenzie, Trade Commissioner, Global Affairs Canada
Speakers :
• Thomas Newcomb, Senior Chief Consultant, Offshore Wind Advisory, Ramboll
• David Wotherspoon, Director of Geographic Growth, OWC
• Gordon McIntosh, Chairman & Director, Aberdeen International Associates (AIA)
• Tatiana Fonseca, Head of Legal, Qair Brasil
• Igor Gonçalves, Chamber of Foreign Trade and Investment, Development Agency of Ceará
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Lunch (open to international roundtable participants only)
Location: Nova Scotia A&B Ballrooom
B2B Meetings | November 20 & 21 | 10am – 3pm daily
Location: Sable ABC Rooms
B2B meeting services will be available exclusively to MRC members who wish to connect with international delegates and vice versa.
Following the success of last year’s Member Sessions, Marine Renewables Canada (MRC) is offering another round of pre-conference training and information sessions this year. These are designed to support members’ needs and business efforts and will provide MRC members with knowledge, insight, and practical advice that can help them with project planning and development, business development and growth, and relationship-building. MRC Member Sessions are complimentary with conference registration and exclusive to MRC members only.
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm | Increasing Inclusivity in the Marine Renewable Energy Sector: Engagement and Partnerships with Indigenous Communities and Businesses
Location: Nova Scotia C&D Ballroom
Through this session, MRC members will receive thoughtful advice and information for increasing Indigenous involvement in marine renewable energy projects. Attendees will gain insight on how to develop meaningful, respectful, and productive relationships with Indigenous communities and businesses.
Speakers:
• Tracy Menge, Benefits Officer, Kwilmu'kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMKNO)
• Crystal Nicholas, President & Interim General Manager, Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency (WMA)
Speakers:
• Amanda Mombourquette, Manager, Workforce Development, Nova Scotia Community College & Councillor, Richmond County
• Patricia Charlton, School Manager - School of Technology & Environment, Nova Scotia Community College
• Delia Warren, Lead Renewables Consultant, Xodus Group
• Martin Thomsen, Manager of Energy Sector Development, Municipality of the County of Richmond / Town of Port Hawkesbury
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm | Member Appreciation Reception
Location: Sable Ballroom
This exclusive reception will take place at the Halifax Marriot Harbourfront Hotel on November 19th, offering a perfect setting to network, share experiences, and strengthen relationships within the marine renewable energy community.
This reception is our way of thanking you for your continued support and involvement with Marine Renewables Canada. We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating together!
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Day One: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
7:30 am | Registration Opens
Location: Nova Scotia Ballroom Foyer
9:00 am - 9:05 am | Conference Opening
• Elisa Obermann, Executive Director, Marine Renewables Canada
9:05 am - 9:25 am | Indigenous Welcome & Song
• Dr. Donald M. Julien, Elder & Kaptin, Mi’kmaq Grand Council
9:25 am - 10:00 am | Welcoming Remarks
• Dr. Mary Lou Lauria, Chair, Marine Renewables Canada
• Simon De Pietro, CEO, DP Energy/Nova East Wind (Presenting Sponsor)
10:00 am - 11:00 am - SESSION 1 | From Coast to Coast: Industry Highlights in Canada’s Marine Renewable Energy Sector
Marine renewable energy offers great potential as a clean energy resource that can accelerate net zero goals and advance economic development opportunities in Canada. Over the past year, advancements have taken place in offshore wind, tidal, wave, river current energy, and green hydrogen projects that are contributing towards industry growth and long-term sustainability. Opportunities for marine renewables are growing in Canada, but there are challenges still to be addressed to establish a thriving sector. This session will include project updates from across Canada, insight on initiatives to help advance the sector, and an engaging discussion on what’s needed for marine renewable energy to fuel Canada’s green energy transition.
Chair:
• Jennifer LaPlante, Chief Growth and Investment Officer, Ocean Supercluster
Speakers:
• Gerald Sheehan, Project Development Manager, Nova East Wind
• Lindsay Bennett, Executive Director, Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE)
• Andrew Robson, VP Business & Market Development, EverWind Fuels
•Dr. Brad Buckham, Director, Pacific Regional Institute for Marine Energy Discovery (PRIMED)
11:00 am - 11:30 am | Refreshment Break
Location: Halifax Ballroom
11:30 am - 12:30 pm - SESSION 2 | The Power of Indigenous Partnerships in Accelerating Marine Renewable Energy Development
Discover the powerful role Indigenous partnerships are playing to accelerate renewable energy growth and how they can help unlock future marine renewable energy opportunities. Through firsthand success stories, this session will explore the critical role of Indigenous partnerships in achieving economic reconciliation and fostering collaborative development. Get insight from Indigenous leaders on how meaningful, early engagement and partnerships can help drive innovation and inform future projects, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth in the marine renewable energy sector.
Chair: Richard MacLellan, Managing Director, Miawpukek Horizon Maritime Services
Speakers:
• Jennifer Brake, Chief, Qalipu First Nation
• Rose Paul, CEO, Bayside Development Corporation/ Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation
• Eric Christmas, Indigenous Consultant, Nova East Wind
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm | Networking Lunch
Location: Halifax Ballroom
2:00 pm - 3:15 pm - SESSION 3 | The Offshore Wind Market: Trends, Opportunities, and What They Mean for Canada
As offshore wind continues to evolve, it is well positioned to become a leading resource and industry in the global renewable energy mix. Trends in the global market outlook for fixed and floating developments, project economics, capacity forecasts, and supply chain demand all have an impact on how Canada’s offshore wind market will grow and evolve. This session will offer insight on these key trends and factors, providing market intelligence for companies that are interested in engaging in international markets, and important context for those working to build Canada’s offshore wind sector.
Chair: Katie Applebaum, Commercial Lead, Offshore Wind, TGS
Speakers:
• John Dalton, President, Power Advisory
• Isobel McClure, Senior Engineer (Maritime), Arup
• Philip Bassil, Managing Director, Head of Global Offshore Wind M&A, NORTHGREEN CAPITAL
• Navneet Khinda, Director, Global Strategy, Ocean Energy Pathway
3:15 pm - 3:45 pm | Refreshment Break
Location: Halifax Ballroom
3:45 pm - 5:00 pm - SESSION 4 | Achieving Co-Existence of Marine Renewables and Other Ocean Users
The growth of marine renewables requires a thoughtful approach to co-existence among a diverse group of ocean users. This session will explore a range of perspectives from key ocean user groups, including the offshore wind industry, commercial fisheries, and Indigenous peoples. By sharing lessons learned and exploring innovative co-existence initiatives in other jurisdictions, this session aims to foster a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of activities in the marine environment and ensure the successful integration of marine renewables where all users can thrive.
Chair: Barb Bryden, Stakeholder, Rightsholder, and Community Liaison Manager, Nova East Wind
Speakers:
• Ken Paul, Principal, Pokiok Associates
• Lisa Engler, Deputy Managing Director, Offshore Wind, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
• Hannah MacDonald, Senior Program Manager, Energy Solutions (Offshore Wind and Fisheries), Gulf of Maine Research Institute
• Eric Reid, Fisheries Advisor, New Bedford Ocean Cluster
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Welcome Reception hosted by Invest Nova Scotia at The Cable Wharf
Location: The Cable Wharf
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Day Two: Thursday, November 21, 2024
7:30 am | Registration Opens
Location: Nova Scotia Ballroom Foyer
9:00 am - 9:30 am - Day Two Welcome
• Elisa Obermann, Executive Director, Marine Renewables Canada
• Sustainability Sponsor - Elaine Lee-Ho, Associate Vice President, Department Manager, Ecology and Permitting, Environment, Canada, AECOM
9:30 am - 10.45 am - SESSION 5 | A New Era for Tidal Energy
Tidal energy continues to show promise as a resource and sector that can play an important role in Canada’s clean energy future. Over the past year there have been significant milestones and initiatives underway to advance tidal energy in Canada and internationally. This session will provide a deep dive on what is working well to advance the sector and the solutions and new innovations needed to address challenges and advance the industry.
Chair: Anne-Marie Belliveau, Owner, Projectable Consulting
Speakers:
• Gary Connor, Chief Technical Officer, Nova Innovation
• Oliver Wragg, Commercial Director, Orbital Marine Power
• Marina Winterbottom, Principal, Bluedot Environmental
• Tim Ramsey, Program Manager for Marine Energy, United States Department of Energy
10:45 am – 11:15 am | Refreshment Break
Location: Halifax Ballroom
11:15 am - 12:30 pm - SESSION 6 | The Policy and Regulatory Landscape
The growth of the marine renewable energy in Canada requires a robust and supportive policy and regulatory framework. With provincial and federal governments actively supporting the growth of this sector, this session will provide an in-depth look at the current and evolving landscape of policies and regulations crucial for the development of marine renewable energy projects in Canada.
Chair: Mohammad Ali Raza, Partner, Cox & Palmer
Speakers:
• Abigail Lixfeld, Senior Director – Renewable and Electrical Energy Division, Natural Resources Canada
• Nena Abundo, Executive Director of Oil and Gas, Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Industry, Energy and Technology
• Christine Bonnell-Eisnor, Chief Executive Officer, Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board
• James Wooder, Co-chair, Committee on the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind for Nova Scotia
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm | Keynote Lunch
Location: Nova Scotia Ballroom
• Denise Pothier, Chief Operation Officer, Canadian Council for Indigenous Business
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm - SESSION 7 | Looking Ahead: Getting Power to Market
While Canada unquestionably has some of the world’s best marine renewable energy resources, a key factor in growth of the sector is getting power to market, and specifically the electricity grid or through green hydrogen production. This session will explore the opportunities, challenges, and strategies for grid integration locally, regionally and nationally including the potential for interregional collaboration and how to navigate the complexities of incorporating a new energy resource into Canada’s long-term energy transition.
Chair: Greg Robart, CEO, Smart Grid Innovation Network (SGIN)
Speakers:
• Cole Sayers, Executive Director, Clean Energy BC
• Lara Stregger, Project Engineer, Stantec
• Frédéric Côté, General Manager, Nergica
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Post-Conference Mixer
Location: Lower Deck, 2nd Floor (Beer Market)
Join MRC for an informal post-conference gathering at the Lower Deck (2nd Floor) for one last opportunity to network with conference delegates in a relaxed and casual setting.