ArcticNet Hosts Canada's Largest International Arctic Scientific Conference in Ottawa

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 1, 2014) - Over 1200 leading international Arctic researchers, indigenous leaders, policy makers, NGOs, northern community members and private sector representatives will gather at the international Arctic Change 2014 conference in Ottawa this December to address many of the pressing issues facing the Arctic.

"This year's meeting will be one of the largest Arctic-focused scientific conferences ever held in Canada," said Dr. Martin Fortier, Executive Director of ArcticNet and Chair of the conference's International Organizing Committee. "The meeting will bring together Arctic experts from more than 20 countries with the goal of addressing the challenges and opportunities linked to climate change and modernization in the Arctic regions of the world."

Dozens of top international researchers will be presenting as part of fifty thematic sessions addressing a wide range of Arctic issues such as the impacts of melting permafrost and sea-ice, emerging fisheries, sustainable development, food security and the health and well-being of Arctic communities.

"Rapidly-shrinking Arctic sea ice and increasing social and health issues in northern communities are poignant examples of why we need to address the challenges currently facing the Arctic and its peoples," said Dr. Louis Fortier, Scientific Director of ArcticNet. "The Arctic is changing dramatically and both the potential consequences and opportunities of this transformation are considerable. As Chair of the Arctic Council, Canada's leadership and involvement in these issues are critical."

Presented by ArcticNet with support from the Ambassade de France au Canada, Arctic Science, the Canadian Museum of Nature, First Air, Government of Canada, Nasivvik, the Northern Contaminants Program of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and The W. Garfield Weston Foundation, the international Arctic Change 2014 conference will take place at the Ottawa Convention Centre (Shaw Centre) in Ottawa, Ontario from December 8 - 12. For more information visit: www.arcticnetmeetings.ca/ac2014

About ArcticNet

ArcticNet is a Network of Centres of Excellence of Canada that brings together scientists and managers in the natural, human health and social sciences with their partners from Inuit organizations, northern communities, federal and provincial agencies and the private sector to study the impacts of climate change and modernization in the Canadian Arctic. Over 140 ArcticNet researchers and 1000 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research associates, technicians and other specialists from 30 Canadian universities and several federal and provincial departments and agencies collaborate on 38 research projects with more than 150 partner organizations from 14 countries. For more information visit: www.arcticnet.ulaval.ca