OTTAWA—Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will participate in two major events in Waterloo, Ontario, on Sunday, June 5, 2011. Their Excellencies will attend the renaming of the Research and Technology Park at the University of Waterloo, and His Excellency will deliver the opening address at the Equinox Summit: Energy 2030, at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.
11:30 a.m.
Renaming of the Research and Technology Park at University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo will officially rename its Research and Technology Park in honour of Governor General David Johnston. During a ceremony hosted by Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur, President of the University, His Excellency will deliver remarks on the importance of fostering research and innovation across the country, as well as on the significance of bringing together government, industry and educational institutions to facilitate research and commercialization.
The Governor General will then officially unveil the new sign at the entrance of the David Johnston Research and Technology Park. The renaming of the park is meant to recognize His Excellency’s contributions to the university during his 11-year tenure as president, as well as his commitment to advancing research and technology in service for the people of the community and for all Canadians.
The University of Waterloo Research and Technology Park is one of 26 research parks in Canada and is located on the university’s North Campus. As of 2011, Phase I of the park is fully committed and will accommodate 1.6 million square feet of office space on 120 acres (49 hectares). When completed, the park will house over 9 000 knowledge workers, create new technology jobs, and generate billions of dollars in economic impact.
200 University Avenue West, Waterloo
OPEN TO MEDIA
1:00 p.m.
Opening of the Equinox Summit: Energy 2030
His Excellency will attend the launch of the Waterloo Global Sciences Initiative’s Equinox Summit: Energy 2030. As patron of the summit, the Governor General will deliver the opening address, speaking on the importance of innovation and collaboration in developing solutions for future energy use and supply. Watch the Governor General’s speech live at www.gg.caor http://equinoxsummit.org.
Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, 31 Caroline St. N, Waterloo
OPEN TO MEDIA
About the Equinox Summit: Energy 2030
Equinox Summit: Energy 2030 will examine the world’s energy concerns and the need for cleaner and more sustainable production, distribution and storage of electricity. The summit is unique in that it brings together pioneering scientific experts with next-generation leaders from around the globe, all of whom are supported by the mentorship of seasoned advisors from the fields of science, engineering, public policy and industry. The summit is focused around the co-operative creation of a blueprint document that shortlists a set of key technologies that could transform the current carbon-heavy scenario, as well as provide a roadmap on how to implement these innovations by 2030. For more information about the summit, visit http://equinoxsummit.org.
About Waterloo Global Science Initiative (WGSI)
Waterloo Global Science Initiative (WGSI) is a non-profit partnership, founded in October 2009, between the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and the University of Waterloo. WGSI’s mandate is to catalyze long-term thinking and solutions to the world’s most fundamental social, environmental and economic challenges, using science and technology. WGSI provides a rare opportunity for great minds to come together, share new ideas and collectively work towards a better future. For more information, visit http://wgsi.org.
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Media information:
Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
613-302-0912 (cell)
marie-eve.letourneau@gg.ca
Michael Strickland
Media Relations
University of Waterloo
519-888-4777, ext. 84777
519-573-1663 (cell)
mstrickl@uwaterloo.ca
R. J. Taylor
Waterloo Global Science Initiative
519-569-7600, ext. 5371
rtaylor@perimeterinstitute.ca
Lisa Lambert
External Relations
Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics
519-569-7600, ext. 5051
519-589-2846 (cell)
llambert@perimeterinstitute.ca
