OTTAWA, January 18, 2010 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced the appointment of Dr. Gary Polonsky as Chairperson of the Canada Science and Technology Museum Board of Trustees.
"I am confident that Dr. Polonsky's knowledge of education and management, as well as his sound leadership skills, will be highly beneficial to the Museum and the Board," said Minister Moore.
Dr. Polonsky's academic career spans over 40 years. From 1981 to 1984, Dr. Polonsky served as Vice-President of Lakeland College, with two campuses located in Alberta and Saskatchewan. In 1984, he became President of Red River Community College in Winnipeg, opening campuses in Selkirk, Winkler, and Portage La Prairie in Manitoba. From 1988 to 2006, he served as President of Durham College in Oshawa. In 2001, Dr. Polonsky became the founding President of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. Dr. Polonsky continued to serve the University as President until his retirement in 2006.
Dr. Polonsky has served on numerous charities and civic organizations, including Chair of the Committee of Presidents of Ontario's colleges, Governor of the Association of the Community Colleges of Canada, and Co-Chair of a $1-million campaign in aid of the Oshawa Community Health Centre, as well as Honorary Chair of the Multiple Sclerosis Walk.
Dr. Polonsky obtained his Doctorate in Education from the University of Toronto in 2003. He also holds a Master of Arts from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, and a Bachelor of Science from Lakehead University in Ontario.
The Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation is responsible for preserving and protecting Canada's scientific and technological heritage and for promoting and sharing knowledge about that heritage. The Corporation includes the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the Canada Aviation Museum, and the Canada Agriculture Museum. These museums tell the stories of Canadian ingenuity and achievement in science and technology, and demonstrate how these accomplishments have contributed to building our country. For more information about the Corporation, visit www.technomuses.ca.
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
