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NLIS 2 May 2, 2002 (Industry, Trade and Rural Development) Funding to assist science and technology initiatives Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Kelvin Parsons, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, today announced $320,950 in funding to support two projects that help develop interest in science and technology for children, high school and college students. "The Government of Canada understands that knowledge is the true currency of the new economy," said Minister Byrne. "Our Innovation Agenda helps us face the challenges in developing knowledge, skills, and opportunities by providing access to programs like these that help our young people become full participants in the knowledge-based economy, right here at home." Of the total, $269,200 will go towards the Newfoundland Science Centre to enable it to continue to deliver its science and technology awareness programming to school-aged children. The centre offers educational activities at its location in St. John�s and through an outreach program delivered to schools and community-based groups throughout the province. Children learn through hands-on activities, workshops, demonstrations and presentations designed to make science and technology fun. In addition, the Newfoundland and Labrador chapter of Skills Canada will receive $51,750 in funding support to attend the eighth National Skills Competition in Vancouver, which is taking place from May 30 - June 2. The funding will go towards travel costs for 40 students and five chaperones to participate in the competition. During the event, which is expected to attract more than 10,000 visitors, close to 1,000 students from all provinces and territories will compete for medals in over 30 skilled trades and technological areas. Newfoundland and Labrador has been participating in national Skills Canada competitions since 1998. Participants from this province won five silver medals, as well as two bronze medals at last year�s national competition in Alberta. "Our Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth focuses on youth as a priority in our overall economic agenda and highlights the need to enhance the skills of our province�s young people. Both the Skills Canada competitions and the work of the Newfoundland Science Centre help move that process forward by encouraging active participation and hands-on experience in science and technology," said Minister Parsons. Both projects are being funded through the Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Comprehensive Economic Development Agreement, a six-year, $94.99 million initiative designed to complement existing federal and provincial programs and agreements. It is administered federally by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and provincially by the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development. On February 12, 2002, the Government of Canada launched Canada's Innovation Strategy, two papers that lay out a plan for the next decade to create knowledge and bring ideas to the market more quickly, ensure a skilled workforce, modernize business and regulatory policies, and strengthen communities by supporting innovation at the local level. For more information about Canada's Innovation Strategy, or to obtain a copy of either Knowledge Matters: Skills and Learning for Canadians or Achieving Excellence: Investing in People, Knowledge and Opportunity, please call 1-800-O-CANADA (1-800-622-6232) or visit //innovationstrategy.gc.ca. Media contact: Doug Burgess Josephine Cheeseman 2002 05 02 11:50 a.m. |
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