2016-2017

News Release

REF NO.: 71

SUBJECT: PSA: Examining ecological, social, cultural and economic sustainability in a post oil-dependent N.L.

DATE: October 27, 2016

What does a province such as Newfoundland and Labrador look like, post oil-dependency? What is a sustainable future and how do we get there?

Memorial University is hosting a symposium next week that will try and answer those questions and others.

Asking the Big Questions: What Might a Sustainable Post Oil-Dependent Newfoundland and Labrador Look Like and What Kinds of Skills, Expertise, Infrastructure and Institutions Do We Need to Get There? takes place on the St. John’s campus. The event is presented by the Royal Society of Canada Atlantic and Memorial.

 

Tuesday, Nov. 1

7 p.m. – Screening of the award-winning documentary Atlantic, written by Memorial alumna Angela Antle. Atlantic follows the fortunes of three small fishing communities — in Ireland, Norway and Newfoundland and Labrador — bringing to the fore three very intimate stories from the global resource debate. The screening takes place in room C-2004 in the Chemistry and Physics building. Parking is available in lot 15B. The screening is co-sponsored by the St. John’s International Film Festival and the People and the Sea Film Festival.

 

 Wednesday, Nov. 2

7 p.m. – Public lecture by Dr. Sigurbjörg Sigurgeirsdóttir, associate professor, public policy and governance, University of Iceland, who will discuss the collapse of the Icelandic economy, the steps taken to rebuild and lessons for Newfoundland and Labrador. Her lecture takes place in the Suncor Energy Hall in the School of Music. Prior to her discussion, Dr. Nancy Dahn and Prof. Timothy Steeves, professors, School of Music, who perform together as the critically acclaimed Duo Concertante and were recently named fellows of the Royal Society of Canada, will perform a short recital. Angela Antle, CBC Newfoundland and Labrador, will moderate. Parking is available in lot 15B. Reception to follow lecture.

 

 Thursday, Nov. 3

On Thursday, Nov. 3, keynote speaker Dr. Gordon Laxer, professor emeritus, University of Alberta, and author of After the Sands: Energy and Ecological Security for Canadians, will deliver a talk in SN-2109 in the Science building. Dr. Laxer will examine Alberta’s history of oil dependence and attempts to diversify the economy while also drawing lessons for Newfoundland and Labrador. Parking is available in lot 15B. Reception to follow.

 

Friday, Nov. 4

Workshop (by invitation) to discuss draft paper on imagining a post oil-dependent N.L. For more information, please email bneis@mun.ca.

 

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