Kendra MacDonald
CEO,
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada has the opportunity to significantly grow our ocean economy through Ambition 2035, driving productivity, jobs, and global leadership.
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, by 2030 the global ocean economy will outpace the growth of the broader economy by 20 per cent. For Canada, this is an opportunity to accelerate made-in-Canada ocean products and services, increasing our productivity and competitiveness, scaling companies, and creating jobs.
Led by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC), Canada’s ocean community has developed a bold goal to grow the country’s ocean economy by five times, to $220 billion, by 2035. This collective opportunity, known as Ambition 2035, is informed by stakeholders from across the country in industry, research, Indigenous communities, and government, and will put Canada at the forefront of global ocean markets. As the next 10 years mark a critical timeline for this goal, now is the time to act.
Unlocking transformational growth
“As one of the world’s largest ocean clusters, we’re a convenor and catalyst for growth in Canada’s ocean economy. We need to approach this global opportunity with a sense of urgency, knowing that with the accelerated development of more made-in-Canada ocean products and services to sell to the world, we’re also helping more companies grow and creating more jobs here at home,” says Kendra MacDonald, CEO of OSC.
Key drivers and enablers of growth through Ambition 2035 include ocean energy, food security, marine transport, ocean technology, coastal tourism, and public sector procurement. Recognizing that the global ocean economy is experiencing momentum, the race is on to lead. With a focus on good, well-paying jobs and growing companies; thriving, resilient communities; increased productivity and economic growth; accelerating made-in-Canada ocean technology; and strategic partnerships, Canada can not only lead but unlock transformational growth.
To learn more about charting the course to 2035 and the recommendations set out to get there, visit oceansupercluster.ca/chartingthecourse.
