Federal and Provincial Governments Support Science East's Illuminate

Illuminate will expand into Northern New Brunswick and broaden career choices for youth

November 4, 2016 – Miramichi, N.B. - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Science East’s Illuminate, a program designed to highlight career opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), will mark four years of success by expanding its program into northern New Brunswick, thanks to investments by the federal and provincial governments.  

Pat Finnigan, Member of Parliament for Miramichi-Grand Lake, 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 Bill Fraser, Minister of Infrastructure, Province of New Brunswick, made the announcement today.

The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP), is providing $147,150 towards this project with another $147,150 being provided by the Province New Brunswick through the Regional Development Corporation (RDC). Science East is contributing $32,700 towards this initiative.
 
Science East’s Illuminate is an outreach program that combines real-life science experiences both through in-class activities and an interactive public event, which integrates local and regional organizations. Private sector companies, nonprofits, public agencies, researchers, and entrepreneurs in each region provide hands-on experiences and event participants can try the tools and technology innovations that are being used on the job in various STEM-related fields and careers today. The program is offered to middle school students from both linguistic communities.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is committed to engaging young Canadians and highlighting the opportunities that exist in careers in science and innovation. This in turn creates a spirit of engagement and innovation for a new era of economic growth.”

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the ACOA

“The Government of Canada is committed to empowering our young people. By supporting the growth of entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives like Science East’s Illuminate, the Government of Canada helps young adults consider the numerous opportunities that exist in science and business in Atlantic Canada.”

- Pat Finnigan, Member of Parliament for Miramichi-Grand Lake

 “New Brunswickers want their government to make investments to help the economy. They also want us to make investments that will improve their quality of life. Investments in education and training are not only good for the economy; they’re also good to ensure a strong quality of life. Our investment to bring Science East’s Illuminate to communities in northern New Brunswick will help develop interests and inspire the next generation in our communities.”
 
- Honourable Bill Fraser, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for the Northern and Miramichi Funds

“We ask the companies and organizations invited to focus on tangible experiences. Children remember what they do. When multiple senses are engaged in a learning experience, the better we can apply what we learn to life. That’s powerful. Illuminate creates conversations between people using and producing innovations and the communities in which they operate. This is especially important for families who are raising the next generation.”

- Dr. David Desjardins, CEO, Science East Science Centre

Quick Facts

• Illuminate will deliver 12 events with 10 to be held in rural communities in northern New Brunswick.
• Since 2012, Science East has held 41 Illuminate events, been successful in developing 500 unique       partnerships, secured three corporate sponsors and engaged over 17,000 young students. 

Associated Links

• www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca
• Atlantic Growth Strategy
• Canada.ca/Innovation
• www.scienceeast.nb.ca

Contacts

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

Bruce MacFarlane
Communications
Province of New Brunswick
506-444-4377

David Desjardins
Chief Executive Officer
Science East
506-457-2340