For Immediate Release
December 19, 2024
(CANADA) – Today, together with their program partners, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announces Phase III of the Blue Futures Pathways Program (BFP). Phase III builds on the progress and engagement of Phases I and II, which saw 384 Canadian youth obtain internships in the sustainable blue economy and 367 youth complete training.
Led by The Students on Ice Foundation, with project partners the University of British Columbia, Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, and Swim Drink Fish Canada, the program represents a total investment of more than $3.6M. Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $2.4 million in the innovation ecosystem project, with $1.2 million coming from project partners.
Blue Futures Pathways connects youth and early-career individuals across Canada with education, funding, and employment to develop successful careers in the sustainable blue economy. This is done through tailor-made educational materials, curated workshops, and a mentorship program.
Phase II of the program saw the development and launch of the PORT – a digital space for young people, educators, and employers to find free educational resources, career opportunities, and ways to connect with others working within the ocean sector. Phase II also highlighted the need for adaptable delivery methods for different communities. Phase III will focus on:
- Attracting and increasing awareness of ocean careers to underrepresented youth.
- Continued collaboration to ensure Indigenous knowledge systems and two-eyed seeing are core to Blue Futures Pathways programming.
- Fostering a blue economy that is not only sustainable, but socially equitable and economically viable.
Blue Futures Pathways is a global leader for youth engagement in the sustainable blue economy. Initial phases have demonstrated that an expansion and continuation of this work is highly desired and meets the huge need of building capabilities and the workforce to support the growth of Canada’s ocean economy.
Visit Blue Futures Pathways—SOI Foundation to learn more about the program or to get involved.
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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 100 projects which will deliver more than 220 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca
Quotes
“The global ocean economy is growing rapidly, and the Ocean Cluster is investing in Canadian talent to meet this future employment demand. Building off its success, the Blue Future Pathways (BFP) program will increase awareness of ocean careers and equip Canadian youth from coast to coast to coast with the skills and knowledge vital to strengthening Canada’s sustainable blue economy.” – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“The global ocean economy will outpace the growth of the broader economy by 2030, presenting significant opportunity for Canada’s ocean sector. However, we cannot realize this growth potential without a well-skilled, diverse workforce. Building awareness and equipping youth with the right skills at the right time, while also removing barriers to training and mentoring, is crucial to providing the pathways to ocean careers and to meet the needs of this thriving sector.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“The Sustainable Blue Economy represents one of the most exciting and impactful sectors for young people seeking meaningful careers. Phase III of Blue Futures Pathways is a critical step in creating equitable opportunities for youth, particularly underrepresented youth, contributing to a diverse workforce to drive the sector forward. By supporting educators and employers, and by connecting youth with mentorship, training, and employment, we are collectively building ocean and water sectors that are more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable – and that benefits us all.” – Tara Mascarenhas, Director of Programs, Blue Futures Pathways