Minister Duncan celebrates Science Literacy Week by talking science and space with high school students

Events across Canada this week are inspiring the next generation of researchers and innovators

OTTAWA, Sept. 18, 2018 /CNW/ - The path for young Canadians to fulfill their greatest dreams starts with science. In today's competitive, knowledge-based global economy, preparing the next generation to be part of Canada's STEM-savvy workforce will ensure they are capable of taking on the challenges of today and tomorrow.

That was the message shared today by the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, at a Let's Talk Science event marking Science Literacy Week, a week-long celebration of science and space in Canada. Science Literacy Week is presented by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada in partnership with the Canadian Space Agency.

The Minister took part in hands-on science and space activities with students from Lisgar Collegiate Institute and Opeongo High School. Activities, which are related to Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques' upcoming mission to space, included a tour of the Lisgar Collegiate Institute Space Simulation Club's spacecraft, a visit to its planetarium and a hovercraft demonstration.

From space travel to the Internet and everything in between, science has led to some of the world's greatest inventions. Young Canadians are the next generation of scientists and researchers, and they have an important role to play in building a strong future for Canada, one that includes a clean environment, healthy communities and a growing middle class.

Quote

"I am proud to be part of a government that supports the next generation of scientists and researchers. The students I met today during Science Literacy Week are curious and creative and have great potential to solve some of the world's greatest challenges. I encourage them to dream their greatest dreams and to consider a career in science."
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada supports science.
• In Budget 2018, the government made a historic investment of nearly $4 billion in research and in the next generation of scientists—the single largest investment in fundamental research in Canadian history.
• This investment includes $1.2 billion in increased support for training opportunities for researchers, students and high-quality personnel.

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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada