Toronto, Ontario, August 24, 2010 – Young Canadians will have greater opportunities to learn about science and engineering, thanks to a federal investment. Speaking at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto, the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Democratic Reform), on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), announced funding for seven organizations located in the Greater Toronto Area. The organizations include the Girl Guides of Canada, Ontario Science Centre, Scientists in School, Professional Engineers Ontario, Ryerson University, Scadding Court Community Centre and The Learning Partnership. These organizations enable science knowledge to be better integrated into community environments, allow opportunities for youth to experience hands-on learning through camps and workshop experiences, provide scholars with educational placements and research opportunities, and promote engineering and the sciences.
“Our government is investing in science and technology to create jobs, strengthen the economy and improve the quality of life of Canadians,” said Minister of State Fletcher. “Through our government’s investment, this program is encouraging young people to discover and learn about science and engineering, and support Canada’s future economic growth.”
On July 7, 2010, Minister of State Goodyear announced $3.1 million in grants for 51 organizations across Canada to encourage the next generation of young scientists and engineers to learn about subjects such as robot programming, environmental science and renewable energy.
This investment is provided through the PromoScience program, which is administered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). Organizations funded through these grants include universities, non-governmental organizations, museums, science centres and other groups from across the country.
“Training is one of the most important parts of NSERC’s mandate,” said Dr. Suzanne Fortier, President of NSERC. “By making science interesting and accessible, these organizations offer a very valuable service. They provide the spark that can inspire people to choose careers in science and engineering.”
The PromoScience program offers up to three years of funding to organizations promoting science and engineering to young Canadians. A complete list of recipients can be found on the NSERC website.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council is a federal agency whose vision is to help make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians. The agency supports some 28 000 students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies. It also promotes discovery by funding more than 11 800 professors every year and fosters innovation by encouraging more than 1500 Canadian companies to participate and invest in post-secondary research projects.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Gary Toft
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
613-947-2956
Martine Perreault
Media Relations and Public Affairs Officer
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
613-996-3861
martine.perreault@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
