The Saint John Port Authority is pleased to announce the appointment of James Quinn as President and Chief Executive Officer.
Jim brings over 30 years of experience in the marine and public sectors. Jim began his career on ships out of the Port of Saint John in the mid 1970s. In 1981, he re-joined the Canadian Coast Guard where he was promoted to leadership positions including Regional Director of the Central and Arctic Region and Director General, Marine Programs. Jim’s Coast Guard experience took him to ports across Canada and around the world.
To view the full news release click here.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Electricity ratepayers to be better protected
The provincial government is making a number of improvements that will better protect electricity ratepayers. Energy Minister Jack Keir, in making the announcement July 27, said the changes will strengthen the regulatory framework of the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board (EUB).
“The New Brunswick government wants to ensure the EUB is equipped with the necessary tools to safeguard the interests of New Brunswick electricity ratepayers,” said Keir. “Combined with the recent decision to reintegrate the utility into a single company, these changes will mean that NB Power will be a more transparent and accountable utility.”
Keir announced five key changes:
• all electricity rate increases, regardless of size, will need to be approved by the EUB;
• an appropriate form of regulatory oversight will be introduced for municipal utilities;
• cabinet will no longer be able to reverse or modify an EUB decision dealing with rates;
• utilities will be required to file annual capital spending plans to the EUB and obtain pre-approval from the board for projects that exceed certain spending limits; and
• the EUB will follow new policy objectives. They include reconciling the public interest; ensuring consumer protection and fair treatment of utilities; promoting sustainable development; promoting fiscal responsibility; promoting energy efficiency; and promoting the use of electricity from renewable sources.
To view the full news release click here.
“The New Brunswick government wants to ensure the EUB is equipped with the necessary tools to safeguard the interests of New Brunswick electricity ratepayers,” said Keir. “Combined with the recent decision to reintegrate the utility into a single company, these changes will mean that NB Power will be a more transparent and accountable utility.”
Keir announced five key changes:
• all electricity rate increases, regardless of size, will need to be approved by the EUB;
• an appropriate form of regulatory oversight will be introduced for municipal utilities;
• cabinet will no longer be able to reverse or modify an EUB decision dealing with rates;
• utilities will be required to file annual capital spending plans to the EUB and obtain pre-approval from the board for projects that exceed certain spending limits; and
• the EUB will follow new policy objectives. They include reconciling the public interest; ensuring consumer protection and fair treatment of utilities; promoting sustainable development; promoting fiscal responsibility; promoting energy efficiency; and promoting the use of electricity from renewable sources.
To view the full news release click here.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Canadian Chamber position regarding changes to the census
One of the most controversial issues in Ottawa today is the government’s decision to make the long-form census voluntary. A wide variety of groups, including a number of chambers of commerce, have expressed their concern over the decision.
The Canadian Chamber is on record as favouring keeping the long-form census mandatory, although they are certainly open to examining whether the penalties associated with a refusal to complete the form need to be so severe. In addition, the questions on the census need to be regularly reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate. The National Statistics Council, the senior, external advisory group appointed by the government of Canada to advise the Chief Statistician, made similar recommendations today. If you would like to see a copy of their statement, it is available here: http://macleans.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/nsc-statement-en.doc.
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology will hold a hearing on Tuesday, at which they are expected to hear from both the Minister of Industry and the former Chief Statistician. The Canadian Chamber will monitor that meeting and will continue our efforts to ensure that Canadian businesses and other stakeholders have access to data that is both comprehensive and reliable.
To visit the Canadian Chamber of Commerce website click here.
The Canadian Chamber is on record as favouring keeping the long-form census mandatory, although they are certainly open to examining whether the penalties associated with a refusal to complete the form need to be so severe. In addition, the questions on the census need to be regularly reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate. The National Statistics Council, the senior, external advisory group appointed by the government of Canada to advise the Chief Statistician, made similar recommendations today. If you would like to see a copy of their statement, it is available here: http://macleans.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/nsc-statement-en.doc.
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology will hold a hearing on Tuesday, at which they are expected to hear from both the Minister of Industry and the former Chief Statistician. The Canadian Chamber will monitor that meeting and will continue our efforts to ensure that Canadian businesses and other stakeholders have access to data that is both comprehensive and reliable.
To visit the Canadian Chamber of Commerce website click here.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
New energy partnerships possible between New Brunswick, Nova Scotia
NB Power and Nova Scotia Power Inc. are exploring the possibility of building a new transmission connection between southern New Brunswick and Colchester County, Nova Scotia.
The proposed connection would have a transmission capacity of up to 500 megawatts which, when added to the existing 300-megawatt connection, would more than double the transmission capacity between the two provinces. It would also enable a series of other partnerships on energy between NB Power and Nova Scotia Power and its parent company, Emera Inc.
The announcement was made today in Fredericton by Premier Shawn Graham, Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter, Gaëtan Thomas, president and chief executive officer, NB Power, and Rob Bennett, president and chief executive officer, Nova Scotia Power.
For more information and to view the official press release click here.
The proposed connection would have a transmission capacity of up to 500 megawatts which, when added to the existing 300-megawatt connection, would more than double the transmission capacity between the two provinces. It would also enable a series of other partnerships on energy between NB Power and Nova Scotia Power and its parent company, Emera Inc.
The announcement was made today in Fredericton by Premier Shawn Graham, Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter, Gaëtan Thomas, president and chief executive officer, NB Power, and Rob Bennett, president and chief executive officer, Nova Scotia Power.
For more information and to view the official press release click here.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Powering up Canadian prosperity: Growing the energy-sector value chain
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) released Powering up Canadian prosperity: Growing the energy-sector value chain, the second in a series of reports calling for ways that the energy sector can bolster Canadian prosperity on July 13, 2010.
Below, you will find an At A Glance summarizing the report and highlighting the Canadian Chamber’s position on energy. To view the full report click here (1.33MB).
Background
Energy is one of Canada’s greatest resources and it is vital to the economy in every part of the country—in 2008, the energy sector employed 360,000 people, two per cent of Canada’s workforce, and accounted for 6.8 per cent of Canada’s GDP. Real opportunities remain to create even more value for Canada than it already gets from the energy sector—more jobs, more investment and more tax revenues. The extraction and the production of energy could be the basis for an entire value chain of products and services.
Canada has long supported the idea of value-added manufacturing, of making products from our natural resources in addition to exporting those resources to other countries for processing. At all stages of the value chain—research, development, processing, manufacturing and distribution—jobs are created, local firms gain new business and communities increase their tax base. Growing our energy value chain will continue to be one of Canada’s best opportunities for a competitive advantage in the global economy.
CCC Position
Canada needs a sustainable energy strategy that will ensure Canadians have access to a stable, secure and flexible supply of affordable energy while protecting the environment. To fully maximize the value of our energy resources, this strategy must look beyond energy production to include the entire energy value chain. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce believes that a long-range, inclusive Canadian sustainable energy strategy would allow the energy sector to develop sustainable industries—including chemical manufacturing, carbon capture and storage, resource upgrading, advanced nuclear manufacturing and the manufacturing of energy production parts and equipment—farther up the value chain.
Key messages
In Powering up Canadian prosperity: Growing the energy-sector value chain , the Canadian Chamber of Commerce explores actions that would help to enable growth in the entire energy value chain. Specifically, we recommend that the federal government:
Below, you will find an At A Glance summarizing the report and highlighting the Canadian Chamber’s position on energy. To view the full report click here (1.33MB).
Background
Energy is one of Canada’s greatest resources and it is vital to the economy in every part of the country—in 2008, the energy sector employed 360,000 people, two per cent of Canada’s workforce, and accounted for 6.8 per cent of Canada’s GDP. Real opportunities remain to create even more value for Canada than it already gets from the energy sector—more jobs, more investment and more tax revenues. The extraction and the production of energy could be the basis for an entire value chain of products and services.
Canada has long supported the idea of value-added manufacturing, of making products from our natural resources in addition to exporting those resources to other countries for processing. At all stages of the value chain—research, development, processing, manufacturing and distribution—jobs are created, local firms gain new business and communities increase their tax base. Growing our energy value chain will continue to be one of Canada’s best opportunities for a competitive advantage in the global economy.
CCC Position
Canada needs a sustainable energy strategy that will ensure Canadians have access to a stable, secure and flexible supply of affordable energy while protecting the environment. To fully maximize the value of our energy resources, this strategy must look beyond energy production to include the entire energy value chain. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce believes that a long-range, inclusive Canadian sustainable energy strategy would allow the energy sector to develop sustainable industries—including chemical manufacturing, carbon capture and storage, resource upgrading, advanced nuclear manufacturing and the manufacturing of energy production parts and equipment—farther up the value chain.
Key messages
In Powering up Canadian prosperity: Growing the energy-sector value chain , the Canadian Chamber of Commerce explores actions that would help to enable growth in the entire energy value chain. Specifically, we recommend that the federal government:
- Expand access to the Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance to include major projects that add further value to our energy resources such as energy-related advanced manufacturing, carbon capture and storage and resource upgrading and refining and extend it for a minimum of five years.
- Achieve harmonization or mutual recognition of regulations and assessments among governments in Canada and, in the long term, among governments in North America, so that investments in the energy sector are not hampered by excessive red tape. The goal must be “one project, one assessment.”
- Continue to provide financing and incentives for the research, development and commercialization of new energy technologies.
- Invest in smart electricity infrastructure across Canada and improve the east–west linkages across Canada.
- Encourage the development of energy-sector clusters and ensure that cluster areas have adequate community infrastructure (schools, roads, etc.) to support their growth.
- Develop a cross-Canada agreement to recognize credentials for skilled workers.
- Provide advice and assistance to potential investors in the energy sector—particularly SMEs—to help them collaborate on large projects.
- Consider the entire energy-sector value chain when developing policies, including the development of an overall national strategy.
What this means for Canadian business
Energy is Canada’s strategic advantage and encouraging the development of the energy sector and its entire value chain will leverage its vast resource base, providing even greater benefits for all Canadians—more jobs, more investment and more tax revenues that can be used to pay for Canadian social programs and other government priorities.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Government of Canada offering Free Webinar for business July 22
The Canadian Trade Commissioner ServicePresents
Export USA Webinar: Improving your bottom line through better foreign exchange management
Fluctuations in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to that of the United States or other currencies (GBP, EUR) can impact business profits for those doing business internationally. The risk presented by such currency fluctuations is called foreign exchange risk (FX risk) and needs to be proactively managed and factored into your operating plans, the cost of goods sold, and product pricing. Lack of attention in this area can lead to budget shortfalls, cash flow issues, the risk of selling products at a loss, and even bankruptcy.
This webinar will present a variety of options to mitigate foreign exchange risk.
Why should you participate?
You will:
Export USA Webinar: Improving your bottom line through better foreign exchange management
Fluctuations in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to that of the United States or other currencies (GBP, EUR) can impact business profits for those doing business internationally. The risk presented by such currency fluctuations is called foreign exchange risk (FX risk) and needs to be proactively managed and factored into your operating plans, the cost of goods sold, and product pricing. Lack of attention in this area can lead to budget shortfalls, cash flow issues, the risk of selling products at a loss, and even bankruptcy.
This webinar will present a variety of options to mitigate foreign exchange risk.
Why should you participate?
You will:
- Learn simple tools to manage foreign exchange risk;
- Learn how to reduce costs related to foreign exchange and hence improve your bottom line.
Date: Thursday, July 22, 2010
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. EST (Ottawa Time)
Cost: Free
After the presentations, there will be a 20-minute Q&A period. The presentations will be in English but the speakers will take questions in both French and English. Through the Virtual Trade Commissioner, a) the webinar will be made available for on-demand viewing following the live session; b) participants may also download the presentation slides, in both French and English.
Please register by July 21, 2010.
For additional information, please email Guillaume Parent and visit Foreign Affairs and International Trade website.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Letter of intent to develop energy opportunities, grow energy hub
AREVA - the world's largest nuclear vendor company - will examine the feasibility of building a second nuclear reactor in New Brunswick under a letter of intent announced today by the provincial government and NB Power.
The company has also expressed interest in supporting the development of the energy hub by creating a clean energy park and investing in new research and development.
Premier Shawn Graham; Energy Minister Jack Keir; Gaëtan Thomas, president and chief executive officer, NB Power; and Jacques Besnainou, chief executive officer, AREVA, made the announcement.
For more information and to view the full news release click here.
The company has also expressed interest in supporting the development of the energy hub by creating a clean energy park and investing in new research and development.
Premier Shawn Graham; Energy Minister Jack Keir; Gaëtan Thomas, president and chief executive officer, NB Power; and Jacques Besnainou, chief executive officer, AREVA, made the announcement.
For more information and to view the full news release click here.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Work set to begin on container terminal refurbishment
Tenders have begun being issued by the Saint John Port Authority to ensure renovations to the Rodney Container Terminal begin as quickly as possible. It has begun doing so under a recent funding agreement with the provincial government.
The announcement was made by Supply and Services Minister Ed Doherty; Energy Minister Jack Keir; Stephen Campbell, chairman, Saint John Port Authority; and Gordon Cole, general manager, Tropical Shipping of Canada.
"This project will help the Port of Saint John provide even better service to the many shipping and trucking companies that depend on the port for business," said Doherty.
The tender announced today is to replace and refurbish decking, piles and pile caps at the terminal, located on the west-side of the port authority property. Work is expected to begin in mid- to late-July. This tender represents about half of the $1.4-million project, which is expected to be completed by September 2011.
Premier Shawn Graham announced the provincial government's agreement with the port authority during an address to the cruise industry in Saint John on June 10. The provincial government has agreed to invest $700,000 in the project which, next year, will entail the replacement of the asphalt on the port's west-side access road and container terminal entrance.
Campbell said the renovations will make the Rodney Container Terminal a more attractive location for major container shipping lines, and this will provide New Brunswick exporters and importers even more options with direct access to global markets.
"Rodney Terminal at the Port of Saint John is New Brunswick's only container terminal," said Campbell. "We are confident this project will help attract new business and more work to the port, generating more spin-off benefits to the city and the province as a whole."
The project is intended to improve the container terminal to the benefit of port users, including Saint John-based shipping and stevedoring companies as well trucking interests provincewide.
"Tropical Shipping is pleased that both the Province of New Brunswick and the port authority are investing in improvements to the terminal," said Cole. "This will help our company continue to provide a premium service for our customers shipping to and from Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean."
To view the original news release click here.
The announcement was made by Supply and Services Minister Ed Doherty; Energy Minister Jack Keir; Stephen Campbell, chairman, Saint John Port Authority; and Gordon Cole, general manager, Tropical Shipping of Canada.
"This project will help the Port of Saint John provide even better service to the many shipping and trucking companies that depend on the port for business," said Doherty.
The tender announced today is to replace and refurbish decking, piles and pile caps at the terminal, located on the west-side of the port authority property. Work is expected to begin in mid- to late-July. This tender represents about half of the $1.4-million project, which is expected to be completed by September 2011.
Premier Shawn Graham announced the provincial government's agreement with the port authority during an address to the cruise industry in Saint John on June 10. The provincial government has agreed to invest $700,000 in the project which, next year, will entail the replacement of the asphalt on the port's west-side access road and container terminal entrance.
Campbell said the renovations will make the Rodney Container Terminal a more attractive location for major container shipping lines, and this will provide New Brunswick exporters and importers even more options with direct access to global markets.
"Rodney Terminal at the Port of Saint John is New Brunswick's only container terminal," said Campbell. "We are confident this project will help attract new business and more work to the port, generating more spin-off benefits to the city and the province as a whole."
The project is intended to improve the container terminal to the benefit of port users, including Saint John-based shipping and stevedoring companies as well trucking interests provincewide.
"Tropical Shipping is pleased that both the Province of New Brunswick and the port authority are investing in improvements to the terminal," said Cole. "This will help our company continue to provide a premium service for our customers shipping to and from Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean."
To view the original news release click here.
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