Author: Shauna Waterman
Opportunity for Indigenous Leaders to Join Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Board of Directors
June 1, 2026
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) is committed to meaningful Indigenous engagement as a core part of its mission to grow Canada’s ocean economy sustainably. Grounded in the principles of reconciliation, respect for Indigenous rights, and recognition of Indigenous knowledge systems, the OSC works collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Canada to create economic, training, employment, and business development opportunities aligned with community priorities. Through initiatives such as the Two-Eyed Seeing program, which brings together Indigenous knowledge and Western science, the Indigenous Career Pivot Program, which connects Indigenous talent to ocean-sector careers, and the Indigenous Coastal Innovation Challenge, which supports Indigenous-led climate resilience and ocean innovation projects, the OSC is helping increase Indigenous participation and leadership in Canada’s ocean economy. Indigenous perspectives are increasingly integrated across OSC-funded projects, partnerships, and policy development, reflecting the organization’s commitment to co-creation, capacity building, and ensuring Indigenous communities are active partners in shaping the future of Canada’s ocean sector.
A commitment to meaningful Indigenous engagement (not a single position)
OSC recognizes that Indigenous perspectives cannot be represented through a single voice or seat. The Board is therefore seeking to build a broader and more sustained relationship with Indigenous leaders, including those from Arctic regions, through:
- Board membership opportunities for Indigenous candidates
- Potential committee participation, including advisory or audit-related roles aligned with expertise
- Ongoing engagement with Indigenous leaders and communities to inform Board discussions and strategic direction
This approach is intended to ensure that Indigenous and Arctic Indigenous perspectives are integrated in a sustained and meaningful way, consistent with OSC’s commitment to inclusive governance.
What you would contribute
OSC is seeking Indigenous leaders who can contribute to Board oversight and strategy in alignment with its competency-based Board model, where Directors are appointed based on complementary skills, experience, and expertise.
Areas of contribution may include:
- Strategic insight into Indigenous economic development and participation in the ocean economy
- Knowledge of Arctic, Northern, or remote coastal communities and industries (considered a strong asset)
- Experience engaging with government, industry, or community partners
- Contributions across key Board competency areas such as governance, investment, financial literacy, and ESG considerations
What participation looks like
For those appointed to the Board:
- Virtual Board meetings are held 6–10 times per year, with 1–2 in-person meetings annually
- Estimated time commitment is approximately 3–4 hours per month, which may increase with committee involvement
- Participation in committee work (including potential advisory engagement) may be available for candidates not immediately appointed to the Board
OSC recognizes that meaningful engagement may take different forms and is open to structuring participation in ways that are respectful, flexible, and impactful.
Diversity, independence, and Board composition
OSC is committed to building a Board that reflects diverse perspectives and experiences, including Indigenous and Arctic Indigenous voices.
As part of overall Board composition, consideration will be given to:
- Indigenous identity (including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis)
- Arctic and Northern representation
- Gender balance and visible minority representation
- Independent Director requirements, in accordance with OSC governance obligations
How to express interest
If you are interested in engaging with the OSC Board of Directors—either as a Board member or through broader advisory and committee involvement—please submit:
- A completed Nomination Form, and
- Your CV (combined into one PDF) to nominations@oceansupercluster.ca by July 2nd.
Opportunity for Financial Leader to Join Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Board of Directors
June 1, 2026
Are you a finance leader with a professional accounting designation who is passionate about helping grow Canada’s ocean economy? Are you interested in supporting solutions that tackle major challenges including decarbonization, food security, emissions reductions, and biodiversity loss through strategic, industry-led innovation? Are you able to bring strong financial oversight and risk-informed judgment to a national organization managing public and private investment? Then now is the time to consider a seat on the Board of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC).
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is one of the world’s largest ocean clusters with more than 1000 members from coast-to-coast-to-coast focused on the commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean innovation and building a robust innovation ecosystem to support the transformational growth potential ahead. OSC has a portfolio of more than 160 projects with a total value of $600 million and focuses its investments and activity on Blue Foods, Maritime Awareness and Dual Use Solutions, Decarbonization of Marine Transport, Energy and Climate Solutions.
So, what are you signing up for if you put your name forward for the OSC Board?
OSC’s Board of Directors is comprised of seasoned leaders who draw on diverse experience and background to provide strategic direction and oversight. At a high level, the Board helps guide the pan-Canadian deployment of industry and Government funding, oversees organizational planning and risk management, and ensures the organization fulfills its legal obligations.
Virtual Board meetings are held between 6 and 10 times per year, with 1–2 in-person meetings annually. Overall, the time commitment is estimated at 3–4 hours per month, which may increase with committee involvement. This is a volunteer role; approved travel costs for in-person meetings are reimbursed in accordance with policy.
What we are looking for
OSC is seeking a Board candidate who brings strong financial literacy and audit/assurance capability, to assist the Board in fulfilling its obligations and oversight responsibilities in relation to financial reporting, financial planning and investments, the external audit process, monitoring compliance with the financial conditions of the Contribution Agreement (“CA”), the systems of internal control and risk management.
Required qualifications
- Professional accounting designation (e.g., CPA or equivalent).
- Demonstrated senior-level experience providing strategic financial oversight, ideally in complex, stakeholder-facing environments (e.g., Government funding, regulated sectors, multi-entity organizations).
Willingness and ability to serve on the Audit Committee, including supporting oversight of audited financial statements, internal controls, financial risk, and audit planning.
Diversity, independence, and Board composition considerations
OSC welcomes nominees from diverse backgrounds and is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), including commitments aligned with Canada’s 50–30 Challenge. In assessing candidates, independence, gender, and self-identification as a visible minority will be taken into consideration as part of building a strong, competency-based Board.
OSC also considers Independent Director status (as defined for OSC governance requirements). A “yes” answer to independence screening questions does not disqualify a candidate, but supports OSC in meeting its Independent Director composition requirements.
How to apply
If you are interested in joining the OSC Board of Directors, please submit:
- a completed Nomination Form, and
- your CV combined into one PDF, to nominations@oceansupercluster.ca by July 2.
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster RFP: Ocean Industry Funding Landscape Study
May 21, 2026
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) has issued a new Request for Proposals (RFP) to conduct a comprehensive Ocean Industry Funding Landscape Research Study, aiming to better understand and address the persistent access‑to‑capital challenges facing Canada’s ocean economy.
The RFP notes that while global ocean industries continue to grow rapidly, “access to capital is the single-biggest challenge facing the growth of Canada’s ocean sector” and that the issue varies significantly by sub‑sector, company size, region, and type of capital. The study will identify critical gaps from the perspective of both funders and ocean companies, as well as produce a comprehensive, evidence-based map of the funding ecosystem as it exists today, and outline learnings for Canada based on leading practices in capital deployment in other economies.
Scope of the Study
The study will be conducted in a phased approach, with Phase 1 of the project focused on three priority sub‑sectors:
- Aquaculture
- Marine decarbonization
- Marine domain awareness (including sensors, platforms, UAVs, and telemetry‑based data products)
Phase 1 will also examine challenges by Stage (pre-seed/seed, to commercialization stage, to scale-up stage), funder type (including catalytic funds traditional funders, angel investors, VCs, private equity, and government), and capital stack (non-dilutive, different forms of equity, debt, and structured finance).
Key deliverables include:
- A Critical Market Gaps Analysis
- A Current State of Funding in the Canadian ocean sector
- Optional global comparisons and leading practices
- A final report and presentation suitable for broad stakeholder engagement
The project is expected to run from June to August 2026, with a maximum budget of $150,000 CAD.
Proposal Requirements
Applicants must outline their methodology, team experience, budget breakdown, and any areas where OSC support may be required (e.g., introductions to companies). The RFP emphasizes that respondents should demonstrate strong connectivity to relevant funder groups and experience in ocean-sector or capital‑market analysis.
Submission Deadline & Contact
Proposals are due Friday, June 12, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ADT.
Submissions and questions should be directed to:
Jakub Skrzypczyk
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Jakub.Skrzypczyk@oceansupercluster.ca
Corporate Accountant
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is an innovative, industry-led national ocean cluster that is ensuring we as Canadians, achieve sustainable economic growth in our ocean-based industries while also contributing to the health of our planet. The OSC’s mandate is to collaborate with investors and partners from across ocean industries to develop and commercialize innovative solutions to shared ocean challenges that are globally-relevant and include key investment areas such as ocean energy, sustainable seafood, the future of marine transport and climate solutions, and focus on growing more Canadian ocean companies and building the ecosystem to deliver on this potential. The OSC guides ideas from the conceptual to the actual; partnering with industries who have big goals and innovative concepts. Actualizing these ideas is our passion and the process is our mission. Our organizational values include creativity, inclusion, collaboration, and ambition.
The OSC has a team of over 30 employees across seven provinces. We are looking for an innovative thinker to drive our workforce agenda and contribute to the growth, retention and development of the ocean economy and the health of the planet.
About the Role
Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Corporate Accountant maintains an even balance of two key priorities; the first is to ensure timely, accurate financial reporting for the organization from accounts payable, bank reconciliations, accounts receivable, month end, quarterly and annual financial reporting. The second, is to liaise with identified proponents and our internal financial team to provide and verify essential financial information for claims submissions. In short, this role works tirelessly to make sure our corporate financial reporting is timely and accurate and project costs are clearly understood, documented, compliant, approved and recorded. Combining your critical thinking skills, high level of accuracy and work quality with a sense of urgency is essential to be successful in this role. You will be working in newly emerging markets, programs and processes; some of which you could enhance to provide both timely client service and a high level of accuracy with your work. This is an amazing opportunity to hone your skills and gain insight into emerging markets. If you pride yourself on being personable, curious and detail oriented, we would like to meet you.
Role and Responsibilities
Accounting
- Responsible for timely processing of accounts payable ensuring compliance with OSC procurement and employee expense policies.
- Prepare payments for approved vendor invoices, project claims, and employee expense reports.
- Prepare and send all conditional commitment invoices to members and any other invoices required.
- Work with the Member Relations team and Director of Finance to monitor receivables and follow up according to OSC policies.
- Support the Director of Finance by providing supporting documentation to internal and external auditors as required.
- Support the Director of Finance with reporting and adhoc projects as needed.
- Support the Director of Finance in timely closure and reporting of month end;
- Work with Director of Finance to continually improve the effectiveness and efficiency of processes through automation or process improvements.
Internal Project Audits
- Support the lead on the internal project audit process;
- Perform 6-8 project audits per year;
- Complete audit testing and documentation, including communicating with members as needed.
Claims Review
- Support the claims review process;
- Review, verify, validate, process and approve assigned project claims on a timely basis;
- Ensure thorough documentation of claims review, such as documenting the verification of supporting documentation, discussions with project proponents;
- Capture details and appropriate record management of all claims, electronically, and provide updates and reporting to other OSC teammates as requested
ISED Bi-annual Reconciliations
- Work with Director of Finance on timely and accurate submission of bi-annual ISED reconciliations:
- Update the assigned sections of the O&A templates for the ISED reconciliations
- Work with the Director of Finance to ensure the project portion of the reconciliation captures all adjustments; advances and project reimbursements
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting or related field
- 3-5 years of experience in corporate reporting
- Bi-lingual (French and English) is considered an asset
- Audit or claim review experience considered an asset
- Experience inside a firm and / or a client facing industry is critical
- Experience working within the blue economy considered an asset
Ideal Additional Qualifications
- Results-driven with a keen eye for detail, efficiencies and continuous improvement
- High level of critical thinking skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment
- Comfortable working and collaborating both virtually and remotely with others
- Detail-oriented coupled with proven sense of urgency to get things done well and on time
- Generates enthusiasm, excitement and engagement with their surrounding team
We are excited to continue building our team with experienced professionals who are passionate about realizing Canada’s opportunity and growing the ocean economy in a digital, sustainable, and inclusive way.
OSC is committed to your career growth and supports team-wide professional development through internal training in DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion).
The OSC is committed to living its values, which includes the development of a diverse, inclusive, and equitable experience for our applicants and team members. Please let us know if you require any interview accommodations.
Apply Now
To be considered for this role, candidates are asked to submit a cover letter, detailing how you can contribute to OSC’s continued success, as a Corporate Accountant, and a resume to hr@oceansupercluster.ca.
Canada’s Moment is also our Ocean Moment
Our federal government is delivering a message that the time to grow, compete, and lead on the global stage is now. From the stage of ALL In last week, we heard Ministers speak of the importance that Canadians seize the moment, support Canadian businesses, and take a chance on each other. With the launch of the new Major Projects Office in late August, Government has focused its first round of projects, including the Montreal Port Authority, and a second round of project announcements to come focused on critical mineral development, wind energy, critical infrastructure in the North, ports, and transportation infrastructure connecting Canadians and our goods with the world, as well as innovative carbon capture and storage and carbon management technologies. This, combined with record defence spending commitments, an increased focus on Arctic sovereignty, and three new strategies expected this fall focused on Industrial Defence, Trade Diversification, and Climate Competitiveness, Ottawa is signaling urgency and accelerated action. In order to achieve this, Canada needs future-shaping industries with bold ambition to carry this agenda forward. Few are as ready to deliver as the ocean economy.
With membership now approaching 1,000, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) is one of the largest blue clusters in the world. We have a project portfolio delivering solutions from shipping and scaled ocean energy to sustainable seafood, defence and dual-use technologies, the accelerated development of AI and emerging technologies, knowing the potential to build on this is tremendous. Together with our members and partners, and Canada’s entire ocean community we have a 5X growth ambition for Canada’s ocean economy through Ambition 2035. An ambition that earlier this spring, the Conference Board of Canada found that, if achieved, could deliver $378 billion in total economic benefit and support 1.2 million jobs in Canada. This is a shared ambition with benefits that run deep including creating jobs, growing and scaling more ocean companies, building resilience in communities, and making Canada a global leader in the sustainable ocean economy at a time when it is the ocean economy that is set to outpace the growth of the broader economy by 20 per cent.
Through a platform for the ocean economy called Charting the Course, the OSC has outlined how Canada can lead: accelerating innovation, scaling clean technologies, advancing dual-use and Arctic focused solutions, and expanding Canada’s trade opportunities with global partners through the ocean sector. The alignment with federal priorities is clear. The focus on industrial defence connects directly with Canada’s need for advanced shipbuilding, surveillance, and Arctic capabilities. Trade diversification is tied to ocean economy exports from aquaculture to marine technologies and equipment. And, climate competitiveness from scaling sustainable ocean industries that reduce emissions including marine transport, energy transition, and food security, and creating significant economic value in the process.
Global competitors aren’t waiting. Norway, Singapore, and the UK are already investing at scale to claim their share of the rapidly growing ocean economy, which has doubled in size five years sooner that expected. If Canada is to lead, we need to prioritize the ocean sector, we need to be bold, and we need to leverage the moment Canada is having and also make it Canada’s ocean moment. That means mobilizing capital, advancing more projects, investing in Indigenous-led innovation, building partnerships that unlock global markets, and actioning existing agreements with purpose with partner countries including Canada’s declaration on Ocean and AI with France.
As Canada’s Ocean Supercluster heads to Ottawa from October 21-23 for our Ocean Week on the Hill, we will share these messages and recommendations, encourage expediency and urgency in approaching them, and through our digital campaign toolkit for members and partners coming soon, we hope you will add volume to this activity.
The moment is ours to seize.
By: Nancy Andrews, Chief Engagement and Communications Officer, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Student Spotlight: Finding My Place in the Ocean Economy
If you told me a year ago that I’d spend my summer meeting Chiefs, learning about ocean technology, and helping launch initiatives that promote Indigenous-led climate resiliency, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. But that’s exactly where I have ended up, working as the Indigenous Engagement Intern at Canada’s Ocean Supercluster.
I’m studying Social Justice and Peace Studies, along with Politics and International Relations. My interests have always leaned toward community work, human rights, and equity, so I wasn’t sure if an ocean sector co-op was a perfect match. What I didn’t expect was how much the ocean sector overlaps with everything I care about: environmental justice, Indigenous sovereignty, climate policy, access to technology and intellectual property, and the right to a livable future. It’s easy to see the ocean as distant, but the truth is, what happens in and around it impacts everyone.
Working at the OSC has helped me realize how the ocean industry isn’t just about science and technology; it’s about people, relationships, and shaping the future. At the OSC, commitment to Indigenous engagement isn’t just a checkbox; it’s built into programs like the Indigenous Coastal Innovation Challenge, Indigenous Career Pivot Program, and the formation of the Arctic Steering Committee. Being part of those efforts gave me the opportunity to see how partnerships and innovation can come together to support community priorities and long-term resilience.
One thing that continues to resonate with me, more broadly, is how many voices and perspectives are still missing from these conversations. The ocean economy holds enormous potential, but we will never realize that potential without participation of all. Justice in this sector goes beyond inclusion, it requires making space for diverse ways of knowing, living, and leading. It was incredible to be part of a team that values this commitment to driving equity and collaborative action forward.
My advice to other students wanting a co-op? Go for it and be open! Consider applying to jobs and co-ops that don’t align perfectly with your vision or long-term career goals. Some of the most meaningful learning happens outside your usual lane. The world is more connected than we think, and there’s space for your values in every sector, even the ones you haven’t considered yet. You don’t need to change who you are to do important work; sometimes your perspective is exactly what’s needed to push a space forward.
By: Gia Angelopoulos, Indigenous Engagement Intern, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025: Supporting Indigenous Youth
We often hear people say, “the youth are our future” but in reality, we have a responsibility and opportunity to impact their future in the best way possible. The time, energy, love and support that we offer to our young people today is our investment in a better future for them and the generations to follow.
Supporting Indigenous-led youth expeditions and experiences that focus on nurturing the inherent relationship that Indigenous youth have with the land and water is a beautiful, engaging and powerful way to invest in the dreams, goals and hopes of the youth. There is an indescribable joy that comes from witnessing the look on the face of an Indigenous young person when they realize the love of their lands and waters that they may have never had the opportunity to explore or experience before. When they are surrounded by Indigenous water protectors, land guardians, deck hands, engineers, scientists, educators, photographers, researchers, writers and more… that’s where the real inspiration and the belief that anything is possible in their own lives hits home for many of these young people.
Miawpukek Horizon Maritime and Mi’kmaq Alsumk Mowimsikik Koqoey Association (MAMKA) are creating these opportunities for Mi’kmaq youth and looking to expand their offerings to other Indigenous youth over time, by opening up space for partners organizations to find our own roles and place in contributing to these experiences for the youth. As Vice President Learning and Reconciliation at Canadian Geographic I had the privilege of partnering with Miawpukek Horizon and MAMKA in June of 2024 to contribute the learning resources, education and editorial support, along with photography on behalf of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. We were able to bring in Jacksen Friske, a young Anishinaabeg journalism student who was employed as the summer student on the Canadian Geographic editorial team along with Cree photographer and RCGS Fellow Fred Cattroll to contribute to the programming and the coverage of the incredible vision and initiative of Miawpukek First Nation. Our time and education resources were what we brought to the table to enhance the rich program that Miawpukek had pulled together including programming contributions from Marine Institute at Memorial University, Ocean Networks Canada, the Audubon Society just to name a few.
This is one example of what authentic reconciliation can look like, Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups, organizations and societies coming together as allies and partners to support Indigenous-led experiences for youth. It’s time for those of us who are non-Indigenous to recognize our place and space in supporting Indigenous youth. We all have a role, but we need to be diligent in our allyship. Rather than occupying spaces that are not ours to consume, we can listen to what Indigenous Nations, communities and very importantly youth want to see us contribute. As Miawpukek Horizon Marine, MAMKA and the Miawpukek First Nation continue to lead the way in their work within ocean, land and water science and career advancement, we all have the opportunity to uplift and highlight their efforts by promoting and supporting Indigenous-led initiatives. This is why the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, the Ocean Supercluster, Workplace Warriors and others see such tremendous value in investing in these community-driven opportunities. Join us and find your place in advancing these important experiences and expeditions for Indigenous youth as we do our part for their future.
By: Charlene Bearhead, Vice President, Learning and Reconciliation, Canadian Geographic Enterprises
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Launches Ocean AI 2025 Call for Proposals
April 16, 2025
For Immediate Release
(Ottawa, ON) – Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) has launched its Ocean AI 2025 Call for Proposals. This new call program is focused on fostering the accelerated development of new and innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects within the ocean sector.
Through its Ocean AI 2025 Program, the OSC will collaboratively invest with industry partners in successful project proposals. This Call for Proposals is designed to support innovative AI projects that drive growth, efficiency, and market expansion within the ocean sector, leveraging the recommendations set out in Charting the Course to 5X growth in Canada’s Ocean Economy. By providing targeted investment, this initiative enables organizations to harness AI’s potential to address complex challenges, enhance operational capabilities, and create new intellectual property that will contribute to the sector’s long-term competitiveness, ultimately strengthening its global leadership.
As technological progress is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, AI stands out as a critical tool to drive operational efficiency, foster innovation, and enable companies to differentiate themselves in the global marketplace. This program will allow companies to not only enhance their immediate capabilities, but also their strategic planning and operations, positioning themselves at the forefront of this technological evolution.
This Call for Proposals is a deadline-driven and competitive framework, providing companies seeking to co-invest with the OSC an avenue to enhance their AI knowledge and capabilities.
The deadline for submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Ocean AI 2025 Call for Proposals is May 16th, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ADT/ 1:00 p.m. EDT/ 10:00 a.m. PDT. Full program guidelines can be found here. Complete EOI submissions must be submitted via email to ai@oceansupercluster.ca. To learn more about the Ocean AI 2025 Call for Proposals, join our webinar on April 25, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ADT/12:00 p.m. EDT/9:00 a.m. PDT.
Through Ambition 2035 and together with Canada’s ocean community, we are bold in our ambition to grow Canada’s ocean economy 5X to $220 billion by 2035. Continued investment in the accelerated development and commercialization of globally relevant, made in Canada ocean solutions will help us realize this ambition. Read more about the recommendations to help achieve this transformational growth opportunity outlined in Charting the Course to 5X Growth in Canada’s Ocean Economy.
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About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved more than 120 projects valued at more than $500 million, which will deliver more than 300 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world.
Media Contact:
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Launches Insights Report on Canada’s Blue Bioeconomy
For Immediate Release
April 8, 2025
(Ottawa, ON) – Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC), together with the National Blue Bioeconomy Steering Committee, launched Canada’s Blue Bioeconomy Insights Report.
Only a fraction of Canada’s available marine resources, such as kelp and microalgae, are currently being utilized. These resources have immense potential to drive economic growth and ocean innovation by combining traditional practices with innovative technologies, allowing Canada to transform aquatic resources into high-value products like nutraceuticals, bio-based materials, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable energy sources.
Projections that the global seaweed industry alone will reach $28 billion annually by 2050 show there is substantial room for growth in the Blue Bioeconomy sector. Canada is uniquely positioned to lead the global transition to sustainable, science-driven aquatic industries, and innovations in aquaculture could allow Canada to bridge the gap between its current output and that of global leaders like Norway.
Under the efforts to support Ambition 2035, a 5X growth potential for Canada’s ocean economy, The Blue Bioeconomy National Steering Committee was formed. With the insights outlined in this new report from industry leaders, researchers, Indigenous leaders, and government officials from across Canada, The National Steering Committee will release a Strategic Approach for Canada to help further shape the rapid growth opportunities in the Blue Bioeconomy – an approach required to realize these opportunities.
A nationally connected Blue Bioeconomy strategy that leverages our strengths and addresses gaps will not only drive economic growth, but also contribute to environmental conservation and social well-being, positioning Canada as a global leader in this evolving field.
Through Ambition 2035 and together with Canada’s ocean community, we are bold in our ambition to grow Canada’s ocean economy 5X to $220 billion by 2035. Continued investment in the accelerated development and commercialization of globally relevant, made-in-Canada ocean solutions will help us realize this ambition. Read more about recommendations to help achieve this transformational growth opportunity outlined in Charting the Course to 5X Growth in Canada’s Ocean Economy.
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Media Contacts
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved more than 120 projects valued at more than $500 million, which will deliver more than 300 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world.
Quotes
“Canada’s ocean sector has a 5X growth potential that can help transform our economy, creating more jobs and positioning Canada as a leader in ocean innovation. Focused efforts on policy development, infrastructure investment, and collaboration between industry leaders and research institutions is imperative to achieving this ambition, including a thriving blue bioeconomy. We are thrilled to put forth this insights report as a step toward fulfilling Canada’s full potential as an ocean nation.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Charting the Course to 2035 – A Platform for Canada’s Ocean Economy
In 2022, in context of the projected $4 trillion CAD global ocean economy by 2030, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and our country’s ocean community more broadly developed an ambition for our ocean economy called Ambition 2035. For the past couple of years, we’ve been working together to build awareness and a sense of urgency around this 5X growth potential for Canada. Together, we have reached tens of thousands of people across the country with this message, including business leaders, policymakers, and media.
We know it’s in our ocean sector where some of the biggest opportunities for growth exist. As members of Canada’s ocean community, we know what 5X growth can mean for workers, companies, communities, market growth and competitiveness, building strategic partnerships and alliances, and developing more made-in-Canada ocean products and services to sell to the world. Now, as Canada is about to start a new chapter, and where priorities will be set to shape our country’s future, prioritizing the ocean economy and our shared message around it has never been more important.
Two weeks ago, we launched a platform for Canada’s ocean economy called Charting the Course to 2035. It is a platform based on the growth potential set out by Ambition 2035 and a sector that is poised to outpace the growth of the broader economy in the years to come. It provides ideas to help address some of the biggest opportunities and challenges we face as a country, build even stronger and diversified global partnerships, and help drive Canada’s economy forward. Charting the Course to 2035 is a tool that is available for you to use in the weeks and months ahead in conversations with decision makers and influencers across the country, and in particular, when asked if you have recommendations to share. If you haven’t already, you can download Charting the Course here.
The sustainable development of our ocean is one of the most important opportunities of our time. Now is the time to be bold and continue to build awareness, support, and momentum on the path to Ambition 2035. There are incredible things happening in Canada’s ocean sector, and you are an important part of that story. Let’s make sure that’s a story that’s being told. Let’s Chart the Course to 2035, together.
By: Nancy Andrews, Chief Engagement and Communications Officer, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster