- September 18th, 2026
- Westin Nova Scotian, Halifax, NS
Agenda for the 3rd Annual Sustainable Blue Economy Summit 2026
Experience the Full Summit — $350
Includes conference access, breakfast, lunch, and Pre-Summit Welcome Reception
Agenda
BONUS EVENT — September 17th, 2026
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Included in Your Ticket
Pre-Summit Welcome Reception
Elements Room, The Westin | The evening will be held indoors, with access to the patio, weather permitting
Kick things off the night before SBES with a casual Welcome Reception designed to bring people together. We’ll start with a short keynote to get everyone thinking about the opportunities ahead, and have our team on hand to share more about the EP and SBEP specializations and what it can mean for your career.
It’s a relaxed setting, grab a drink, connect with other attendees, and ease into the event. If the weather’s good, we’ll open things up outside so you can get some fresh air and keep the conversations going.
A simple way to meet the community, ask questions, check in and get a head start before SBES officially begins.
September 18th, 2026
8:30 AM – 8:35 AM
Summit Kickoff
General Housekeeping
MC:
Danial Fisher
Senior Manager, Events
8:35 AM – 8:45 AM
3rd Annual Sustainable Blue Economy Summit Welcoming Remarks
Welcome to the Summit with an introduction to Ocean Alliance Canada, its growing network of partners, and the collaborative vision for Canada’s sustainable blue economy. The session will also provide an overview of the day’s key themes and discussions.
Speaker:
Kevin Nilsen
CEO | ECO Canada
8:50 AM – 9:05 AM
The Honourable Senator Iris Petten’s Keynote Address
Senator Iris Petten will share her perspective on the future of Canada’s ocean sector, reflecting on the role of leadership, public policy, and regional strengths in supporting long-term growth. Her address will highlight the opportunities ahead and the importance of working together to ensure Canada’s oceans continue to benefit communities, industry, and future generations.
Speaker:
The Honourable Iris Petten
Senate of Canada
9:10 AM – 9:30 AM
Opening Keynote | The Trillion Dollar Ocean: From Global Opportunity to Ocean Performance
Hari Balasubramanian, Founding and Managing Partner of EcoAdvisors, will explore how the global blue economy is evolving from vision to action. Drawing on international experience, he will examine where investment is flowing, what leading regions are doing differently, and where Canada is well positioned to strengthen its role in the next phase of ocean economy growth.
Speaker:
Hari Balasubramanian
Founder | EcoAdvisors
9:10 AM – 9:35 AM
Fireside Chat | Inside Ocean Alliance Canada
This fireside chat brings together a key funder and the Chair of Ocean Alliance Canada to explore how Canada is moving from ambition to action in building a globally competitive ocean economy. Attendees will gain insight into why this moment matters, what is being built, and how partners can engage in shaping Canada’s ocean future.
9:35 AM – 10:25 AM
Panel | Where Innovation Meets Industry
Canada is home to world-class ocean innovation, but moving new technologies from development to widespread adoption remains a challenge. This discussion brings together technology developers and industry leaders to explore where adoption is gaining traction, what barriers remain, and how collaboration can accelerate implementation across Canada’s blue economy.
Speakers:
Levi Morrison
Director of Innovation | COVE
Steven Myers
VP Partnerships | Foresight Canada
Ashley Noseworthy
CEO & Founder | Edgewise Environmental | Board Member | Oceans Advance & BECAB
10:25 AM – 10:35 AM
Morning Break
Take this time to network and connect with our exhibitors
10:40 AM – 11:35 AM
Panel | Models, Markets & Mechanisms for Financing Ocean-Based Solutions
Turning promising ideas into thriving ocean industries requires more than innovation—it requires the right capital, markets, and investment models. This panel will explore the investment models, funding mechanisms, and market opportunities that are helping accelerate the development and deployment of ocean-based solutions.
Speakers:
Kevin Nilsen
CEO | ECO Canada
Akash Rastogi
Chief Capital Strategy Officer | Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Rosalie Dapra
VP of Sustainability Advisory & Finance | Bank of Canada Capital Markets
Hamish Stewart
Director of Market Building Initiatives | Nature Investment Hub
11:40 AM – 12:30 PM
Panel | Building Indigenous Economic Partnerships
Meaningful Indigenous participation in the blue economy depends on strong partnerships, innovative business models, and shared opportunities for growth. This discussion explores the financing, ownership, and collaboration models that are helping strengthen Indigenous enterprise and create lasting economic opportunities across Canada’s ocean industries.
Speakers:
Geniene McCarthy
Natural Resources & Policy Advisor | Elmastukwek
Consultant | Indigenous Fishers First
Justin P. Martin
Director of Fisheries | Millbrook First Nation
CEO & Co-Founder | First Spear Group
Laura Englehart
Economic Development Manager | Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI)
Christine Penney
VP Sustainability & Public Affairs | Clearwater Seafoods
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
Lunch Break
Take this time to network and connect with our exhibitors
1:15 PM – 1:20 PM
Welcome Back from Lunch
General housekeeping notes & Announcements
1:20 PM – 1:55 PM
Fireside Chat | Connecting Research, Partnerships and Opportunity in Canada's Arctic
Following the panel discussion on Indigenous economic participation, this fireside conversation explores how these themes come together in Canada’s Arctic through research partnerships, community collaboration, and economic development
Pierre Bilodeau
CEO | Arctic Net
Richard Macllellan
Senior Advisor, Arctic Economic Development Corporation
Akash Rastogi
Chief Capital Strategy Officer | Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
1:55 PM – 2:05 PM
Talk | Digital Innovation for Climate Resilience: Lessons from the Caribbean
As Executive Director of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, Professor Lloyd Waller will share lessons from the Caribbean on how digital innovation, data, and governance can help climate-vulnerable regions strengthen preparedness and resilience.
Speaker:
Professor Lloyd Waller
Executive Director | Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC)
Professor of Digital Transformation Policy and Governance | University of the West Indies
2:05 PM – 2:45 PM
Panel | Scaling Ocean Climate Industries from Research to Deployment
Ocean climate industries are emerging as a key driver of both climate action and economic growth. This discussion brings together leaders from research, industry, and government to explore what it will take to move promising solutions from research and innovation to large-scale deployment.
Speakers:
Dr. Aseel Takshe
Dean of the School of Health Sciences, Digital Innovation and Sustainability | Canadian University Dubai
Dr. Erin Bertrand
Acting Scientific Director & CEO | Ocean Frontier Institute
Will Burt
VP of Science and Product | Planetary Technologies
2:50 PM – 3:50 PM
Blue Economy Innovation Showcase & Networking
Explore exhibitor booths and connect with organizations from across Canada’s blue economy while five innovators deliver lightning talks showcasing their technologies and solutions. Attendees are encouraged to network, engage with exhibitors, and vote for the People’s Choice Innovation Award.
Innovators:
3:55 PM – 4:35 PM
Panel | Global Partnerships for Ocean Growth
No country builds a thriving blue economy alone. This discussion examines how partnerships with governments, international organizations, and industry are creating new pathways for collaboration, investment, and long-term economic growth.
Speakers:
Dr. Yogendra Chaudhry
Vice President, Professional Services
Mr. Delton Jones
Vice Chair | Port Management Association of the Caribbean
Troy Sawler
Trade Commissioner | Global Affairs Canada
Chief Capital Strategy Officer | Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
4:40 PM – 5:05 PM
Fireside Chat | OAC: Building a More Connected Ocean Network
Canada’s ocean sector spans industry, research, education, government, and communities, but these strengths are often spread across regional and sectoral networks. This conversation looks at how stronger connections can help build capacity across the sector, the role Ocean Alliance Canada can play in bringing these networks together, and what Canada can learn from other ocean economies about building stronger, more collaborative networks.
Speakers:
Dr. Yogendra Chaudhry
Vice President, Professional Services
Professor Ibrahim Ajagunna
Faculty Member | Caribbean Maritime University
Professor Lloyd Waller
Professor of Digital Transformation Policy and Governance | University of the West Indies
Chief Capital Strategy Officer | Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
5:05 PM – 5:15 PM
Closing Remarks
A final reflection on the day’s key themes, shared priorities, and opportunities ahead, with a look at how continued collaboration through Ocean Alliance Canada can help carry the conversation forward.
Kevin Nilsen
CEO | ECO Canada
Inspiring Conversations for Canada’s Blue Economy
“The Ocean Alliance Canada Conference was a great event. I really appreciated the diversity of topics and international representation and look forward to seeing how the OAC will continue to support the growth of Canada’s blue economy.”
— 2025 Conference Attendee
Turning Ideas Into Action
“The Ocean Alliance Canada Conference had engaging and diverse opportunities for understanding the barriers and silos within Canada’s blue economy. I look forward to seeing ideas and conversations turn into action as a result of the event!”
— 2025 Conference Attendee
