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Pre-Conference Workshops

Workshop A — CI’s Forum on Advancing a Remediation Economy – A Complete Guide to Mine Reclamation, Building Capacity, Procurement and Balancing Environmental Responsibility

Mar 21, 2023 9:00am – 12:30 PM

Speakers

Mario Giguère
Procurement Specialist, Procurement Edmonton
Public Services and Procurement Canada

Jeff Mackey
Director, Contaminated Sites Branch
Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Joel Nolin
District Market Sector Manager
AECOM

Godwin Okonkwo
Manager, Economic Development
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

Facilitator:

Rasel Hossain
Director, Contaminants and Remediation Division, Northwest Territories Region
Crown Indigenous Relations & Northern Affairs Canada

Workshop B — How to Negotiate Win-Win Energy Contracts with Indigenous Partnerships

Mar 21, 2023 1:30pm – 04:30 PM

Speakers

JoAnn P Jamieson
Partner
Jamieson Laurin + Co.

Day 1 - Wednesday, March 22, 2023

7:30
Registration Opens and Refreshments Available
8:30
Opening Remarks from the Conference Co-Chairs
8:45
Welcoming Keynote Address
9:15
Essential Update: The Future of Energy Development in Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut
10:15
Networking Refreshment Break
10:30

INFRASTRUCTURE FOCUS

Status Report on Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects: How Energy, Transportation and Communication Pathways are Being Enhanced
11:30

CASE STUDY

Key Infrastructure Development to Support Industry
12:15
Networking Luncheon
1:15
Keynote Address
1:45

CASE STUDY

Exploring the Viability of Small Modular Reactors (SMR’s)
2:45
Growth Opportunities for Critical Minerals in the Technology Economy – Incentives, Strategies and Mineral Prospects for Northern Exploration and Development
3:45
Networking Refreshment Break
4:00

INTERACTIVE ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS

How to Create Win-Win Indigenous Partnerships for Responsible Project Development
5:30
Day One Closing Remarks and Conference Adjourns

Day 2 - Thursday, March 23, 2023

8:00
Registration Opens and Refreshments Available
8:30
Opening Remarks from the Conference Chair
8:35
Keynote Address
9:00

PART ONE: ARCTIC SOVEREIGNTY

Special Address: Sustainable Arctic Development
9:30

PANEL- ARCTIC SOVEREIGNTY:

Can We Ensure Energy Security and Arctic Sovereignty amid Global Economic Sanctions?
10:30
Networking Refreshment Break
10:45
Decarbonizing the Mining Sector
11:30

INTERNATIONAL FOCUS

The Future of Sustainable Energy Development with Canada’s Circumpolar Partners
11:45
Norway
12:15
Russia
1:00
Networking Lunch for Delegates and Speakers
2:00

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOLUTIONS FOR DIESEL REDUCTION IN REMOTE COMMUNITIES

Propane As an Alternate Fuel Source
2:30
Financing and Investment Strategies
3:00
Small Scale Storage and Power Generation
3:30
Closing Remarks from the Conference Chair and Conference Ends

Day 1 - Wednesday, March 22, 2023

7:30
Registration Opens and Refreshments Available
8:30
Opening Remarks from the Conference Co-Chairs

Kelly J. Ogle
President
Canadian Global Affairs Institute

8:45
Welcoming Keynote Address

Honourable David Akeeagok
Minister of Energy
Government of Nunavut

9:15
Essential Update: The Future of Energy Development in Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut

Angela Bigg
President & COO
Diavik Diamond Mine, Rio Tinto Canada

Menzie McEachern
Assistant Deputy Minister - Mineral & Petroleum Resources
Industry, Tourism and Investment, Government of Northwest Territories

  • Overview of current projects and snapshot of major upcoming projects
  • Assessing investment, opportunities and growth after the setbacks of COVID-19
  • Updates on the new GNWT Mineral Resources Act and plans to attract investment in critical minerals – rare earths, cobalt, lithium etc.
  • Funding for the Mining Incentive Program and partnership between the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Canadian Northern
  • Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

This presentation will be followed by a Fireside Chat with Angela Bigg discussing Diavik and mine reclamation best practices

10:15
Networking Refreshment Break
10:30

INFRASTRUCTURE FOCUS

Status Report on Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects: How Energy, Transportation and Communication Pathways are Being Enhanced

Anne-Raphaëlle Audouin
Chief Executive Officer
Nukik Corporation

Dr. Katharina Koch
Postdoctoral Associate, Canadian Northern Corridor Research Program
The School of Public Policy

University of Calgary

  • Updates on the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link (KHFL) for clean energy and fibre-optic broadband to Nunavut
  • Status of the Grays Bay Arctic Coast Road from the NWT border and deep seaport project at Grays Bay to open up mining opportunities
  • Updates on Mackenzie Valley Highway, Slave Geological Province Corridor, and Talston Hydro Expansion Project
  • Insights and perspectives from communities and stakeholders on northern Canadian infrastructure development

11:30

CASE STUDY

Key Infrastructure Development to Support Industry

Mark Brajer
Chief Executive Officer
Tlicho Investment Corporation & Group of Companies

This session will look at key infrastructure developments and gaps in development in the Tlichǫ and Northwest Territories. Highlights include:

  • Energy – current issues, alternate energy and the future
  • Transportation – roads, and access to communities
  • Internet Backbone – communities, businesses

12:15
Networking Luncheon
1:15
Keynote Address

Honourable Diane Archie
Minister of Infrastructure
Government of the Northwest Territories

1:45

CASE STUDY

Exploring the Viability of Small Modular Reactors (SMR’s)

Moderator

Louie Shoukas
Chief Nuclear Officer
PCL Industrial Constructors Inc.

Panel

Jos Diening
Managing Director
Global First Power

Vladimir Novak
Chief Commercial Officer
Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC)

Madeleine Redfern
Member of The National Indigenous Advisory Council on SMRs and Special Advisor
Ultra Safe Nuclear (USNC)

  • Highlighting Indigenous engagement for the Global First Power MMR Project at Chalk River (a partnership between Ultra Safe Nuclear and OPG)
  • Discussion of technical and economic feasibility of SMRs for the north, Indigenous engagement and perspectives for nuclear projects in the north and how this is being approached for the Chalk River Project
  • Indigenous engagement and perspectives for nuclear projects in the north and how to approach and socialize these projects within the local communities

2:45
Growth Opportunities for Critical Minerals in the Technology Economy – Incentives, Strategies and Mineral Prospects for Northern Exploration and Development

David Connelly
Vice President Strategy and Corporate Affairs
Cheetah Resources Corporation / Vital Metals Ltd.

Jeff Hussey
President & COO
Osisko Metals Inc.

Claudine Lee
Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility
NorZinc Ltd.

  • Exploring the role of governments (federal, provincial/territorial ) in the development of mines for critical minerals; what are the plans to ensure carbon free energy is available for critical mineral projects?
  • Examining the importance of critical minerals to the economy and next steps in mine project development, construction and partnerships
  • How mining projects will provide economic and partnering opportunities

3:45
Networking Refreshment Break
4:00

INTERACTIVE ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS

How to Create Win-Win Indigenous Partnerships for Responsible Project Development

Topic #1 — Indigenous investment, participation and governance over northern resource development

Mark Brajer
Chief Executive Officer
Tlicho Investment Corporation & Group of Companies

Topic #2 — Discussing models for success and how Indigenous communities can benefit from resource activities

Peter Snow
President
Peter Snow Indigenous Relations Consulting

Topic #3 — How to overcome community engagement challenges and gain more participation from Northerners

Robert Diaz
President
Dunne Za Economic Development

West Moberly Corporate Alliance

This moderated break-out format will enable participants to take part in facilitated discussions, ask questions, and share knowledge with peers.

Delegates will have the chance to visit 3 different round tables and participate in 25-minute discussions.

5:30
Day One Closing Remarks and Conference Adjourns

Day 2 - Thursday, March 23, 2023

8:00
Registration Opens and Refreshments Available
8:30
Opening Remarks from the Conference Chair
8:35
Keynote Address

Honourable Dan Vandal
Minister of Northern Affairs
Government of Canada

9:00

PART ONE: ARCTIC SOVEREIGNTY

Special Address: Sustainable Arctic Development

Anu Fredrikson
Executive Director
Arctic Frontiers

9:30

PANEL- ARCTIC SOVEREIGNTY:

Can We Ensure Energy Security and Arctic Sovereignty amid Global Economic Sanctions?

Moderator

Kelly J. Ogle
President
Canadian Global Affairs Institute

Panel

Heather Exner-Pirot
Senior Fellow
Macdonald-Laurier Institute

Rob Huebert
Associate Professor, Department of Political Science
University of Calgary - Centre for Military, Strategic and Security Studies

Assessing the current global situation and implications for Arctic energy, security, and sovereignty. This panel will discuss oil and gas pricing dynamics, and whether a current global natural gas shortage will spur Northern opportunity in overseas markets.

10:30
Networking Refreshment Break
10:45
Decarbonizing the Mining Sector

Rob Istchenko
Senior Director
Renewables, Transmission and Distribution, WSP Canada

  • Examination of decarbonization drivers for the mining sector
  • Interdependence of renewables and the mining sector: raw material extraction and net zero pathways
  • Lessons learned from the implementation of renewable energy solutions at northern mining sites
  • Focus on challenges and solutions based on northern Canadian project experience, including: energy penetration optimization, system integration, logistics, and permafrost considerations

11:30

INTERNATIONAL FOCUS

The Future of Sustainable Energy Development with Canada’s Circumpolar Partners

Holly Waeger Monster
US Consul General
US Consulate, Calgary

Hear from other Arctic-interested countries and assess where Canada stands on the international platform as a project partner. Updates on energy and minerals in the US, Norway and Russia, in light of geopolitical developments.

US

This talk will highlight energy projects in the United States and will focus on development of the critical minerals sector. We will also include a brief discussion on the Inflation Reduction Act and its considerable impact on North America’s energy and mining sectors.

11:45
Norway

Chris Mylde
Senior Vice President, Corporate Development
Sproul Honorary Consul

Royal Norwegian Consulate, Calgary

12:15
Russia

Ben Seligman
Project Specialist
Arctic/Frontier Oil & Gas

1:00
Networking Lunch for Delegates and Speakers
2:00

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOLUTIONS FOR DIESEL REDUCTION IN REMOTE COMMUNITIES

Propane As an Alternate Fuel Source

Katie Kachur
Vice-President, Government Relations, West
Canadian Propane Association

Propane as part of a climate change solution that is produced in Canada and available now: exploring propane as a low carbon energy source that can replace diesel today and complement renewables tomorrow.

2:30
Financing and Investment Strategies

Donna St. Louis
Business Development Manager
First Nations Finance Authority

Delegates will discover the latest information on clean energy financing, and new investment strategies needed to support financing for large-scale diesel reduction efforts

3:00
Small Scale Storage and Power Generation

Jess Puddister
Stakeholder and Regulatory Manager
Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation

As Nunavut’s first 100% Inuit-owned renewable energy developer, NNC is a leader in the clean energy transition in Nunavut. This session will highlight opportunities for future development, barriers to advancing the clean energy transition, and solutions for effective, Inuit-led renewable energy development in the Territory.

3:30
Closing Remarks from the Conference Chair and Conference Ends

Workshop A — CI’s Forum on Advancing a Remediation Economy – A Complete Guide to Mine Reclamation, Building Capacity, Procurement and Balancing Environmental Responsibility

Mar 21, 2023 9:00am – 12:30 PM

Mario Giguère
Procurement Specialist, Procurement Edmonton
Public Services and Procurement Canada

Jeff Mackey
Director, Contaminated Sites Branch
Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Joel Nolin
District Market Sector Manager
AECOM

Godwin Okonkwo
Manager, Economic Development
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

Facilitator:

Rasel Hossain
Director, Contaminants and Remediation Division, Northwest Territories Region
Crown Indigenous Relations & Northern Affairs Canada

What is it about?

(registration at 8:30am)

This workshop will explore how mining closure may benefit future or ongoing social and economic opportunities in the North.

Part 1

  • Mineral Economy 101 – What You Need to Know
  • Exploration Opportunities
  • Regulatory drivers

Part 2

  • Community engagement opportunities
  • Training needs

Part 3

  • Developing a socio-economic strategy – Gwichin and Inuvialuit Strategies
  • Procurement strategy and procurement tools

Part 4

  • Snapshot on how diamond mines can bolster infrastructure and economic development
  • Discussion of how mining is evolving and the role it plays in infrastructure and capacity building

*Workshop is offered in-person only

Workshop B — How to Negotiate Win-Win Energy Contracts with Indigenous Partnerships

Mar 21, 2023 1:30pm – 04:30 PM

JoAnn P Jamieson
Partner
Jamieson Laurin + Co.

What is it about?

(Registration at 12:30pm)

This workshop will delve into the finer points of negotiating contracts and building partnerships with Indigenous communities, including Joint Ventures, Impact Benefit Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding.

  • How to structure agreements and build relationships with Indigenous communities
  • How to encourage long-term development by looking at the relationship between industry, service companies and Indigenous communities
  • What are the important risks to consider from the perspective of an Indigenous owner and developer/supplier?
  • How are Indigenous-owned projects typically financed and structured?
  • Options and practical strategies that would enable Indigenous investment and involvement in future energy projects

*Workshop is offered in-person only