OTTAWA - The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, has officially announced the launch of centennial celebrations to mark 100 years of excellence in Government of Canada energy, mining and minerals science and technology. For 100 years, the Government of Canada has been working with the energy and mining industries to promote economic productivity, protection of the environment, and health and safety for people in Canada and around the globe.
"We have some of the best researchers in the world working at Natural Resources Canada to develop mining materials and energy technologies," said Minister Lunn. "I want all Canadians to recognize the outstanding contributions these scientists continue to make to our lives as they build on a century's worth of achievements."
Research in these vital sectors of Canada's economy began in 1907 with the Mines Act of the Government of Canada and the creation of the federal Department of Mines. It continues today under the direction of CANMET, which is part of Natural Resources Canada. CANMET employs about 700 people, who deliver science and technology programs and services from world-class research facilities in Alberta, Ontario and Quebec.
From the proper refinement of metals and fuels research 100 years ago to the development of pipelines and the oil sands today, Government of Canada energy, mining and minerals research has played a major role in the lives of all Canadians. Looking to the future, we can expect to see federal government researchers working on the further development of renewable energy and the wider applications of fuel-cell, hydrogen and hybrid vehicles built with lightweight metals. These and other innovations in energy and mining technologies will provide significant benefits to the economy and to the health of Canadians and their environment.
In cooperation with stakeholders and other partners, Natural Resources Canada begins a second century committed to the sustainable development of the earth's mineral and energy resources.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
2007 marks a special anniversary for the Government of Canada - the 100th anniversary of its role in energy, mining and minerals science and technology. Science and technology have always played a major part in the development of Canada's natural resources, and they will continue to benefit all Canadians by supporting the nation's economy.
For more information, media may contact:
Ghyslain Charron
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447
Kathleen Olson
Acting Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-996-2007
And general public may contact:
Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30 EDT
Telephone: 613-995-0947
TTY: 613-996-4397
(teletype for the hearing-
impaired)
E-mail: questions@nrcan.gc.ca
NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.
