Are you an innovative leader passionate about the growth of the ocean economy in Canada? Are you
interested in supporting solutions that tackle complex challenges including food security, emissions
reductions, the future of shipping, energy security, arctic advancement, and biodiversity loss in
communities across the country? Are you keen to be a leading voice in shaping the future of Canada’s
ocean economy for generations to come? Then now is the time to consider a seat on the Board of
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC).
The OSC with its network of ocean networks across the country is focused on driving Ambition 2035, a 5X
growth objective for the ocean economy for Canada, to grow to $220B by 2035 and build an ocean economy
that is sustainable, digital, and inclusive. This will require a transformation of how we do business in the
ocean and collaboration from coast to coast to coast including Indigenous communities across Canada.
Within Ambition 2035, the OSC is driving strategic conversations in key areas of potential growth including
hydrogen, artificial intelligence (AI) and the blue bioeconomy. Events are happening across the country, and
we encourage Board participation in these important conversations.
The OSC launched in 2018 as one of five Global Innovation Clusters as part of Canada’s innovation strategy
to change the way we invest in innovation and with over 130 projects committed valued at a combined
$500M delivered by 300 projects partners, we are doing just that. Our mandate was renewed in 2023 and
with $125 million endowed to invest in technology commercialization projects that tackle challenges in
scaled ocean energy, sustainable seafood, ocean transportation and ocean climate solutions. In addition,
we were allocated $20M in 2022 to develop a program specific to artificial intelligence (AI) in the ocean and
have been proud to announce 17 projects with AI applications across multiple ocean sectors generating
interest from around the world. This year a further $8M was allotted to OSC for continuing investment in AI.
We are committed to building a strong ecosystem to support the growth of our ocean economy with
investments in building awareness of the opportunity for an inclusive workforce, Canada’s ocean brand and
an increasingly connected national ocean community.
Preferred Candidate Profile and Commitment
Our Board plays a key role in driving our strategy, our investment philosophy, and our drive for
transformational projects that will shape the future of our ocean economy for Canada.
We are looking for a strategic thinker who can help shape our vision as we drive Ambition 2035 forward and
layout a path to organizational sustainability. Ideal candidate will add bench strength in the areas of artificial
intelligence (AI), venture capital, scale-up, or small business/start-ups. Preference will be given to female
identifying candidates, given need for balanced representation and perspectives and anticipated attrition of
current female Board members in coming year. The successful candidate will be appointed at OSC’s Annual
Meeting in September and will serve an initial 2-year term with the potential for renewal for a further term.
Virtual Board meetings are held between 6 and 10 times a year and Board Members are expected to meet in person 1-2 times annually. Overall, we assess the time commitment associated with this position to be 3-4 hours/month. This may increase with Board committee involvement. While this is a volunteer position, OSC
does reimburse travel costs incurred for in-person meetings in accordance with approved policy.
If you are interested in joining our Board, please submit a completed Nomination Form together wit
your CV (together in one PDF file), to nominations@oceansupercluster.ca no later than June 9th. If the
timing or profile for this year’s Board of Directors opportunity does not align for you personally, we will keep
your application on file for future consideration as we have a number of positions turning-over next year as
well and are always seeking ocean leaders for OSC event and engagement opportunities.