Government of Canada Helps Bring National Robotics Competition to North Bay
News Release
March 24, 2016 – North Bay, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced a FedNor investment of $45,000 to help inspire young Canadians to consider careers in the fields of engineering, science, technology and innovation.
The FedNor funding is being used by Nipissing University, in partnership with the City of North Bay, to host the National FIRST® Robotics competition March 24-26, 2016, in North Bay. The event is expected to attract more than 5,000 visitors to the region, including 1000 competitors and their families, as well as teachers, mentors and other guests. Throughout the competition, teams will showcase their remote-controlled robotic devices and compete in a series of events for a chance to win scholarships and the opportunity to participate in the FIRST World Robotics Championships to be held in St. Louis, Missouri, April 27-30, 2016.
Quick facts
- The funding announced today is provided through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
- FIRST® is an international organization that supports robotics competitions for both elementary and high school level students. Established in 2001, FIRST Robotics Canada is an organization created to meet the growing need for student robotics programs in Canada's learning institutions.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is proud to invest in strategic initiatives that help foster the next generation of leaders and trailblazers while supporting our communities' long-term prosperity. I look forward to the positive results this investment will deliver for the people, businesses and communities throughout Northern Ontario."
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor
"I am thrilled that FedNor funding is helping us bring the National FIRST® Robotics competition back to North Bay. This inspiring event will help boost local tourism and encourage young Canadians to embark on a life-long discovery in the fields of science, innovation and high-tech."
– Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming
"This is the third consecutive year that Nipissing University has had the privilege to host the National FIRST® Robotics competition and FedNor support has been instrumental to the success of this important initiative. We are excited to have this opportunity to inspire young people to pursue their dream, while engaging in friendly competition with their peers."
– Dr. Mike DeGagné, Nipissing University President and Vice-Chancellor
Associated Links
- To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca and follow us on Twitter @FedNor.
- Follow the Minister on Twitter: @MinisterISED
Contact
Barclay Babcock
Communications Officer - FedNor
705-690-0957 or 1-877-333-6673 Ext 0957
barclay.babcock@canada.ca
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