As I mentioned last month, our conference committee has been established and is working hard on providing an exceptional conference for September 21-22. The committee consists of industry leaders with in-depth knowledge of what is happening in our industry and where it is headed, and they have a vast network of contacts that can connect us with timely and engaging speakers. While conference may look different than it has in the past, we are committed to hosting the extraordinary, high-end event you have come to expect from Noia.
In the meantime, to help keep our members connected with each other and the latest industry news, we are planning a series of opportunities for engagement throughout the year such as webinars and coffee mornings – just to name a couple. Have a topic that you think will be of interest to our members for a webinar or a coffee morning? If so, please reach out to me or our staff.
We know that making contacts, establishing business leads, and finding sources of income and funding to get you through these difficult times are all critical to your operations – your survival – at this time. To help with that we have been offering virtual supplier development sessions, such as on March 11th with ExxonMobil Canada that was focused on digital transformation. I am so pleased to say we have confirmed with ExxonMobil Canada a business-to-business opportunity for Noia members that will allow you to pitch your ideas. We look forward to providing you with further details in the coming weeks.
We also recently offered opportunities to help our members expand their geographical footprint with market opportunities in Guyana and Suriname. Over the course of two weeks Noia held a virtual trade mission to Guyana that included information sessions with ExxonMobil and prime contractors; one-on-one business development planning with DAI; and virtual B2B meetings with potential Guyanese partners and clients. We are also collaborating with the Maritimes Energy Association on a virtual trade mission to nearby South American country Colombia from April 13-14.
Our advocacy work on your behalf has continued as we have been engaged in local content issues, discussions about tariffs, and the economic impact of our industry. We continue to work with government officials on issues of critical importance. I also addressed the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources in March and emphasized the importance of codifying offshore occupational health and safety regulations. The process to do so has taken too long and we need to move on from transitional regulations to codified regulations. The Committee and the Senate listened to the recommendations of Noia, CAPP and others and the process should be concluded before the end of 2021 with regulations in place.
I understand our consultations with members over the past three months about the vision and mandate of Noia have gone extremely well and I am greatly looking forward to that process continuing. Virtual sessions have taken place with upwards of 100 member companies, organizations, and individuals. I have no doubt there was excellent discussion and debate, as well as insightful suggestions from our knowledgeable members about how you see our industry and Noia in the future. If you did not participate in those sessions, there will be an opportunity for you to share your thoughts through a survey that will be sent to members in the coming weeks. I am highly anticipating reading your feedback from this process.
While we undoubtedly have our challenges ahead of us, there are so many reasons to be optimistic for our future. I was excited to hear the latest news that Equinor will continue work on the Sitka well in 2022 and I greatly anticipate CNOOC’s exploration campaign this year. We are also hopeful for a positive outcome on the future of the Terra Nova field. While we may be in for a series of incremental steps – certainly not the speed we were all hoping for – I believe our industry is regaining its feet, walking before running, but getting some swagger back in those steps.
Let’s keep collaborating and moving the industry forward. As always, feel free to reach out and share your experiences, issues, concerns or suggestions with me, our staff team, and the Board of Directors. I have no doubt that by working together we will reach our potential.
Stay well.
Charlene
