Port City Hosts Big Data Congress

October 17, 2016 – Saint John, NB – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

TechImpact, formerly known as the New Brunswick Information Technology Council (NBITC), an organization dedicated to helping New Brunswick businesses embrace innovation for new growth, has partnered with the federal and provincial governments to host the Big Data Congress (BDC2016), from October 17 to 19, 2016 in Saint John, New Brunswick. Co-organized by the Atlantic Big Data Congress and TechImpact, BDC2016 is an event that showcases business excellence, creativity and leadership.

Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Francine Landry, Minister of Economic Development and Minister responsible for Opportunities New Brunswick, today announced a joint investment of $165,000 towards this initiative, of which $115,000 is provided through ACOA and $50,000 is provided from the Government of New Brunswick.

During this congress, international and national leaders in big data and business management will join local leaders in innovation to deliver keynote addresses and facilitate panel discussions that will provide attendees with practical information on how big data and the industrial internet can help drive productivity, new brands and increase revenues. The congress has already attracted 500 attendees from various sectors across the country. 

This investment builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which supports strategic investments in initiatives that build on the region’s competitive advantages, such as its strong export potential, growing innovation ecosystem, and a skilled workforce. This funding commitment also complements the Government of Canada's Innovation Agenda, which is designed to make Canada a global centre for innovation—one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all residents. Today’s investment is a perfect example of this vision in action.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada believes that innovation is a Canadian value. It is in our nature and now more than ever, it will create jobs, drive growth and improve the lives of Canadians. Initiatives such as the Big Data Congress are important platforms for knowledge, engagement and connections that will help Atlantic Canadians learn how to advance their businesses through effective use of data.”

-       The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“We need to foster a region of innovators. The Government of Canada, through ACOA is supporting innovation projects such as the BDC2016, to provide expert knowledge and tools that our businesses need to compete in a time of extraordinary and swift global change.” 

-       Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John

“As outlined in the Economic Growth Plan, our government is focused on supporting innovation and developing high growth opportunities. New Brunswick companies are already excelling in this sector and the Big Data Congress is an important event to continue to build on that momentum.”

-       The Honourable Francine Landry, Minister of Economic Development and Minister responsible for Opportunities New Brunswick

“TechImpact believes in the power of technology, and in this case data, to build a strong, enduring economy for Atlantic Canada. Embracing the idea of a Digital Society where data is the key to unlocking value for our citizens is what the Big Data Congress is all about.”

-       Ed McGinley, CEO, TechImpact

Associated Links

• Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
• Atlantic Growth Strategy
• Canada.ca/Innovation
• www.bigdatacongress.net

Contacts

Ann Kenney
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-452-3687

Valerie Kilfoil
Communications
Opportunities New Brunswick
506-453-8168

Ed McGinley
CEO
TechImpact
506-452-7519