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Biomass forum set for Thunder Bay this October

Biomass North Forum 2017 will discuss challenges faced by the industry, in addition to workshops, tours, and an awards gala.
Sawmill waste (Wood Pellet Association of Canada)
Biomass North will hold its second annual conference in Thunder Bay in October. (Photo courtesy of the Wood Pellet Association of Canada)

The second annual Biomass North conference will bring together leaders from various sectors to discuss challenges and opportunities in the bioeconomy.

Biomass North Forum 2017: Opportunities for Challenging Times will be held Oct. 11-12 at the Best Western Plus NorWester Hotel & Conference Centre in Thunder Bay.

Featured during the conference will be a series of guest speakers, workshops, a tradeshow, tours, and an awards gala dinner recognizing successful projects and proponents in the industry.

Organizers have confirmed that Kai Mykkänen, the Finnish minister for foreign trade and development, will be featured as a guest speaker during the conference.

Challenges to be discussed include the North American Free Trade Agreement, the softwood lumber dispute, economic development barriers in the North, Northern infrastructure challenges, adapting to climate change, and sector transformation.

Participants will also talk about opportunities such as the Ring of Fire, foreign direct investment opportunities afforded by the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), bioenergy projects and initiatives, partnerships between industry, municipalities and First Nations, government support programs, and technical and social innovation.

Registration for the conference is now open.

Based in North Bay, Biomass North promotes the growth and sustainability of the Canadian bioeconomy. Its members include municipalities, First Nations, small and medium enterprises, industry, academia and various organizations with common goals and interests in the Canadian bioeconomy.