Ref. #2-3708
OTTAWA, ONTARIO (September 20th, 2012) - The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP).
Established in 1961 and fully implemented in 1962, the Northern Scientific Training Program supports the efforts of Canadian universities to foster northern science and technology, by providing supplementary funding to students interested in studying Canada’s North.
“For over 50 years, the Northern Scientific Training Program has demonstrated commendable commitment to Canadian Northern Science,” said Minister Duncan. “This program encourages students to pursue northern studies and to develop a commitment to the North.”
The Northern Scientific Training Program supports scientific training provided by Canadian universities which gives advanced students professional experience in the North and encourages them to develop a commitment to northern work. The program aims to increase the number of graduate and senior undergraduate students in Canadian universities who have specialized in some aspect of northern scientific studies and who have northern research experience.
“The Northern Scientific Training Program contributes to social and economic development in the North, and reflects our government’s commitment to help the Arctic realize its true potential as a healthy and prosperous region within a strong and sovereign country. Our government will continue to encourage partnerships between Northerners, universities, industry and researchers to foster science and technology in the Canadian North.”
The Government of Canada is committed to unlocking the economic potential in Canada’s North and providing the knowledge necessary for sound policy and decision making. In August 2012, the Prime Minister announced support for the Canadian High Arctic Research Station and its Science and Technology Program. The Northern Scientific Training Program is part of the government’s integrated Northern Strategy and reinforces Canada’s leadership in Arctic science, technology and innovation. The Northern Scientific Training Program helps demonstrate sovereignty over Canadian territory, builds partnerships across the North, and will strengthen innovation and economic growth.
