FREDERICTON, August 23, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Mike Allen, Member of Parliament (Tobique-Mactaquac), today announced $13,139 in funding for Science East. Funds will support a travelling exhibition about local scientists and inventors.
"Canada's New Government recognizes the success of the Great Maritime Achievers in Science and Technology travelling exhibition, which allows us to discover the history of innovation in the Maritimes--an important part of our heritage," said Minister Verner. "We are proud to support the continued circulation of this exhibition throughout the Maritimes to provide more Canadians with an opportunity to discover the history of Maritime ingenuity."
"By helping to extend the reach of the stories of these inventors and scientists, this funding allows Science East to fulfill its mandate to provide educational opportunities to young people," said Mr. Allen. "I would like to acknowledge this organization's invaluable contribution to increasing science literacy and awareness in this region and to congratulate the dedicated and professional staff and volunteers who continue to ensure its success."
"We at Science East have been a passionate voice for the importance of innovation in this region for many years," said Dr. David Desjardins, Executive Director of Science East. "The Great Maritime Achievers in Science and Technology exhibit shows us clearly that our region has a long and fascinating history of innovation. By getting this exhibit out to as many communities as we can, we hope that it will remind people about the importance of science in our day to day lives and inspire young people to pursue their studies in science. We appreciate this investment from the Department of Canadian Heritage and Minister Verner, which allows us to keep this important exhibit touring."
Science East is the only science and discovery centre between Québec City and Halifax. Since its inception in 1991, the Fredericton-based centre has been designing and delivering science education to the region. The Great Maritime Achievers in Science and Engineering exhibition opened in December 2004 at the Science East Centre and has since travelled to nine venues in the three Maritime provinces. This funding will enable the exhibition to continue touring to museums in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island until 2009. Through hands on exhibits, interactive multimedia presentations, and story boards, the exhibition depicts stories of Maritimers who have made lasting contributions to innovation in science and engineering.
Canada's New Government has provided this funding through the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides financial support to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.
Information: Richard Walker
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Wendy Marr
Communications Assistant
Office of the Member of Parliament for Tobique-Mactaquac
506 325-1340
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
