Scientists of tomorrow get Ontario government support

Toronto, ON March 12, 2003 The Ontario government has committed C$240,000 in funding to Sci-Tech Ontario to increase youth awareness of science, technology and innovation, Minister of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation Jim Flaherty has announced.

Sci-Tech Ontario is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence and innovation in science and technology by Ontario youth. It supports regional science and technology fairs, sponsors Young Scientist Month in March and Team Sci-Tech Ontario – top students who represent Ontario at the Canada-Wide Science Fair. Sci-Tech also receives corporate sponsorship through a public-private partnership with Pfizer Canada and Fielding Chemical.

Fostering a culture of innovation was one of the strategic goals set out in the Ontario Jobs and Investment Board report, A Road Map to Prosperity, which is a guide to building a stronger economy. The report identified science and technology literacy, awareness of science and technology, related careers, and mentoring as important elements in creating an innovation culture in Ontario.

The government funds come through the Ministry of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation’s Youth Science and Technology program, which has committed $5 million over five years. To date, 35 projects have been supported.