What is the energy future for the East Coast? Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall to visit New Brunswick

Exclusive insights from North American energy thought leaders as they examine energy opportunities for the East Coast on June 14-15, 2016. Last week to register to attend.

SAINT JOHN, NB, June 8, 2016 /CNW/ - In less than one week, leaders and stakeholders from across Canada and the North Eastern United States will arrive in Saint John as part of the East Coast Energy Connection (ECEC) conference, taking place right here in the Port City. Premier Wall joins a packed lineup of speakers for the second annual event which will prove to spark conversation about our energy future within this region and beyond.

Premier Wall's platform has held a long-time focus on the oil and gas industry. His participation in the conference is highly anticipated, bringing with it years of positive leadership and proven experience that will provide attendees with valuable insight into the energy sector, economic development, and their link to prosperity. 

Conference registration will soon come to a close, along with the unique opportunity to become engaged with industry experts, thought-leaders and bold innovators.

This year, the conference will highlight three central themes: Energy & the Environment, Global Energy Markets, and Energy & Business. Each of these pillars will help to create interesting questions about the current state of our energy sector as we work to identify exciting opportunities in the years to come.  

"What we do know, is that we are making great strides in technology and innovation, not only for renewables but also for other forms of energy used today. We are doing things smarter and cleaner," says David Duplisea, CEO of the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce. "Today's energy industry and our energy future are incredibly important topics for us to address. We hope ECEC can help connect leaders within this sector and drive the pivotal conversation about what lies ahead."

Additional confirmed speakers and participants to date include: The Hon. Gary Doer, Co-chair of the Canada Institute Advisory Board at the Wilson Center, Former Ambassador of Canada to the United States of America and Former Premier of Manitoba; Ian Whitcomb, President, Irving Oil; The Hon. Perrin Beatty, President & CEO, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce; Annette Verschuren, CEO, NRStor Inc; John Soini, President, TransCanada Energy East;  Gaéton Caron, Executive Fellow, University of Calgary, School of Public Policy; Matt Koch, VP, US Chamber of Commerce; Finn Poschmann, CEO, Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC); Alex Ferguson, VP, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP);  Gaëtan Thomas, CEO, NB Power; Gary Smith, CEO, Newfoundland Power; Pierre Mullin, Global Head, Siemens Digital Grid; Charles Martin, Director, Edmundston Energy; Greg Crisp, General Manager, Business Development, Spectra Energy; Ray Ritcey, CEO, Maritimes Energy Association; Dr. Dhirendra Shukla, Chair, UNB Technology Management & Entrepreneurship Program; Ed McGinley, CEO, TechImpact; and Patrick Woodcock, Director of Energy, State of Maine – plus many more energy innovators and panelists.

The event's platinum sponsor is Irving Oil, with Canaport LNG and NB Power participating as gold sponsors.

To register for the East Coast Energy Connection conference, and to find out more, visit: www.ECECconference.com 

Conference sponsors include Irving Oil, Canaport LNG, NB Power, Emera New Brunswick, EY, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), Progress, Telegraph-Journal, TransCanada, the New Brunswick Department of Energy and Mines, Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB), and Saint John Energy.

ECEC planning committee includes Atlantica Centre for Energy, Emera New Brunswick, New Brunswick Department of Energy and Mines, Irving Oil, Port Saint John, Enterprise Saint John, Saint John Industrial Parks, CAA (Atlantic), EY, Owens MacFayden, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), Shred Guard and UNB Saint John College.

The Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce is a nationally accredited business organization dedicated to fostering an economic climate that enhances growth, prosperity, and an improved quality of life in the community. With close to 1,000 businesses, representing interests of 37,000 people, the chamber is a dynamic advocate and the principal voice for the business community of Greater Saint John. It offers a variety of programs, activities, services, and networking opportunities designed to enhance the business prospects of members and the overall business climate of the area.

#ECEC2016

SOURCE Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce

Image with caption: "Logo: East Coast Energy Connection (ECEC) (CNW Group/Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160608_C3828_PHOTO_EN_709287.jpg

For further information: David A. Duplisea, Chief Executive Officer, The Chamber, 506-634-811, [e-mail]; Jane Bardsley, NATIONAL Public Relations, 506-672-1860 ext. 8334, [e-mail]