May 9, 2017, FREDERICTON (GNB) – CyberNB, an economic development initiative of Opportunities NB, will hold the first annual summit on Canadian cybersecurity skills and workforce development in Fredericton, May 24-25.
CyberSmart 2017 features several keynote speakers, including Fred Kaplan, bestselling author of Dark Territory; Rodney Petersen of the United States National Institute for Cybersecurity Education; Namir Anani, president of the Information and Communications Technology Council; and Peter Henschel, specialized policing services, Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
“This is a first-of-its-kind event where we are bringing together thought leaders from industry, academia and government to share information and priorities, and to collaborate on an actionable national strategy,” said Economic Development Minister Francine Landry, who is also the minister responsible for Opportunities NB. “Cybersecurity was identified as a growth opportunity in our New Brunswick Economic Growth Plan and we are building on the momentum of this global priority with this summit.”
Additional presenters include Ali Ghorbani, Canada Research Chair in Cybersecurity at the University of New Brunswick and director of the Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity, and Sandy Bird, chief technology officer of IBM Security.
“Understanding what the challenges are, and what industry needs, is the foundation to ensure we have the right workforce in place to address the global cybersecurity challenges facing us,” said Stephen Lund, CEO of Opportunities NB. “The collaborative nature that exists in this industry positions New Brunswick well to host this national discussion and to have positive actionable outcomes.”
Delegates from across Canada and the United States are attending the summit. A complete list of speakers, along with registration information, is available online.
Opportunities NB is a Crown corporation that seeks to attract and support opportunities to grow the economy and create jobs. It provides support services for businesses across the province.
MEDIA CONTACT(S):
Mary-Anne Hurley-Corbyn, communications, Opportunities NB, 506-476-7596.