Province to host major national science fair in May

For the first time in 15 years, 500 of the country's brightest young scientists and innovators will gather in St. John's for the annual Canada-Wide Science Fair, the signature event of Youth Science Foundation Canada.

Details were announced during a special event at Holy Heart of Mary Regional High in St. John's this morning, where winners from the school's annual fair, held on March 4, displayed their science projects. Special guests included the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada; the Honourable John Ottenheimer, Minister of Education; Bert Tulk, Avalon East School District; and members of the Canada-Wide Science Fair 2004 Host Committee.

The Canada-Wide Science Fair is taking place from May 15-23, 2004 at Memorial University of Newfoundland and will bring together junior and senior high school students who qualify from the top ranks of the competitors at 100 regional science and technology fairs from across Canada. Approximately 350 scientists and experts will be at the event to judge the competitions.

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is providing $85,700 towards the Canada-Wide Science Fair. "The Canada-Wide Science Fair exposes young people to the emerging opportunities in science and innovation. It will bring together the next generation of inventors, scientists, engineers and technologies that will help advance our country's innovation agenda in the years to come," said Minister Efford. "This event will also raise the profile of Atlantic Canada as a centre for innovation, and will offer a networking venue for the leaders in Canada's research and innovation community."

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has committed approximately $45,000 in direct funding and support to the event. "It is a privilege to host this prestigious event in Newfoundland and Labrador, and is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our outstanding students and teachers," said Minister Ottenheimer. "The potential of our youth is a great resource. In nurturing their abilities and encouraging their ambitions, through an event such as the Canada-Wide Science Fair, we are investing in the promise of future success."

Youth Science Foundation Canada, a not-for-profit group, engages and supports Canada's young scientists and innovators through project-based science and technology, aiding in the development of skills and knowledge for excellence in a global economy.  

The host committee, which is organizing the national fair in May, is co-chaired by teachers Renee Boyce and John Barron. "The Canada-Wide Science Fair is a fun and interesting way to provide innovation and technology skill building for our nation's youth, with an emphasis on commercialization of research," said Ms. Boyce.

"The national science fair also encourages youth to transfer their ideas into reality and pursue entrepreneurship and science and technological fields as a career option," said Mr. Barron.

The Canada-Wide Science Fair includes a "Discovering Opportunities" component to teach students how to protect their innovations through intellectual property rights, and how to commercialize their research through entrepreneurship.  A "Mentorship Forum" will provide senior participants with valuable information on the role of mentoring, career development and opportunities in science and technology.

Other partners include EnCana, the provincial government, the Avalon East School District, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Genome Atlantic, Petrocan, Pfizer and Inco.

"The Avalon East School District is very pleased to have their teachers and students involved in this world class event as both participants and hosts. We wish all students the best of luck at the Canada-Wide Science Fair and encourage everyone to view the projects at this fair," said Bert Tulk, assistant director, programs, Avalon East School District.

ACOA is providing funding for this initiative under the Business Development Program, which offers non-commercial investments to support the promotion of entrepreneurship, trade, marketing and education through industry, community, youth and business associations.

FOR BROADCAST USE ONLY:

This May, St. John's will host the annual Canada-Wide Science Fair, a national event

that will bring together 500 of the country's brightest young scientists and innovators. The event is organized by not-for-profit group Youth Science Foundation Canada, and is receiving $85,700 in funding support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

This is the first time in 15 years the event has been held in Newfoundland and Labrador. Approximately 350 scientists and experts will be at the event to judge the competitions. The high school students attending will also learn about copyright protection of their inventions, commercializing their research through entrepreneurship, and career development.

Other partners include EnCana, the provincial government, the Avalon East School District, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Genome Atlantic, Petrocan, Pfizer and Inco.

For more information, please contact:

Stephen Heckbert
Director of Communications,
Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire
(613) 948-7293

Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
ACOA
(709) 772-2935

John Barron
Co-chair, Canada-Wide Science Fair 2004 Host Committee
(709) 727-4952

Lynn Salter
Director of Communications
Department of Education
(709) 729-0048

2004 03 05                                        11:45 a.m.