Science East is one step closer to its goal of self- sufficiency thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) joined Science East’s Chief Executive Officer David Desjardins and Science East board members today to make the funding announcement.
“Our government’s Economic Action Plan recognizes that science and technology are at the heart of economic competitiveness and creating and maintaining good-paying jobs now and into the future,” said Minister Ashfield. “This investment of $225,000 through ACOA will support Science East’s efforts to secure its financial future through fundraising activities and targeting private investment, thus ensuring that the centre is able to provide its valuable hands-on educational experiences to many more people for years to come.”
Science East has been designing and delivering informal science education programs to inspire and inform people of all ages for the past 15 years. It is New Brunswick’s only hands-on science centre featuring more than 150 exhibits in Fredericton as well as three travelling displays that are used to deliver bilingual programs across the province.
“Every dollar invested in orienting New Brunswick's youth toward careers in science translates into a stronger science and technology sector for the province which in turn contributes to the future economic growth and prosperity of this region,” said David Desjardins, Science East CEO.
The investment will help to assist Science East in its efforts to secure a sustainable funding base by hiring a development manager to target investments from the private sector and engaging a consultant to develop and implement appropriate fundraising strategies. The project will also enable new advertising and promotional activities to help the organization further raise its profile both within and outside of New Brunswick, reach out to communities in rural areas with its mobile displays and increase its overall visitor numbers.
The Government of Canada is providing a contribution of $225,000 through ACOA’s Business Development Program to help with the $600,000 project.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Science East is one step closer to its goal of self- sufficiency thanks to a $225,000 investment from the Government of Canada through ACOA’s Business Development Program. ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield said that this investment, along with others through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, is providing timely and targeted stimulus to communities across Canada.
The investment will help to assist Science East in its efforts to secure a sustainable funding base. The project will also enable new advertising and promotional activities to help the organization further raise its profile both within and outside of New Brunswick, reach out to communities in rural areas with its mobile displays, and increase overall visitor numbers.
-30-
INFORMATION:
Erin Filliter
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (ACOA)
613-941-7241
Peta Fussell
Senior Communications Officer ACOA
New Brunswick
506-452-3304
David Desjardins
Chief Executive Officer
Science East 506-457-2340
