Canada Wide Science Fair

This morning, it was my pleasure to welcome 480 of the brightest young scientific minds from across Canada, at the opening ceremonies of the Canada Wide Science Fair, hosted by Memorial University.

Sponsored by the Youth Science Foundation of Canada, the Canada Wide Science Fair is a prestigious national competition. Each of the young women and men in attendance have earned their place by winning regional science fairs across the country. Over 500,000 students have competed in past months at local fairs throughout Canada, and only one in 1,000 have made it to this week's fair.

I am pleased that our province has 24 students with a total of 19 projects registered for this event - five from the western region, six from central, and eight representing the eastern region.

As Minister of Education with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and a former teacher, I am always pleased to be involved in the exciting things that are happening in our education systems nation-wide. Science and technology are integral parts of our society, and therefore, integral parts of our education system.

Developing scientific literacy and stimulating student interest are two key attributes of our new science curricula which are strengthened competitions such as this. Science fairs encourage students to learn through "hands-on" experiences that build valuable scientific skills. These skills last a lifetime and are often transferable to many other domains.

Students of today expect and demand more from their education. They are inquisitive, innovative, and determined. We see their desire to understand why or how; we see, particularly through events like the Canada Wide Science Fair, their hopes to make this world better, safer and healthier.

With that said, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador was pleased to contribute approximately $45,000 in direct funding and in-kind support to the event.

I ask all honourable members to join me in applauding everyone involved with organizing this event - the teachers, students and chaperones. We also thank the judges who are offering freely of their time and expertise, and the many volunteers who believe in the importance of this event. It is important to single out the event co-chairs John Barron and Renee Boyce for their dedication.

I wish to congratulate all students who participated in science fairs throughout Newfoundland and Labrador this year, and wish the best of luck to students participating in this week's event.

2004 05 17                    2:15 p.m.