PM announces support for Let's Talk Science

Good morning.

Thank you, Minister Gary Goodyear, for that warm welcome, and welcome to my colleagues who are here from the Parliament of Canada – Member of Parliament Peter Braid, Member of Parliament Ed Holder, Member of Parliament Stephen Woodworth and Member of Parliament Harold Albrecht.

Before I begin, I do want to say a few words about the situation in Japan.  I want to offer my heartfelt condolences to the Japanese people. Our thoughts and our prayers are with all of those who have been affected by the powerful earthquake and the tsunami that have struck that country. Earlier today I spoke with Japan’s ambassador to Canada. I offered any support and assistance that may be needed by that country. Our officials at the Canadian embassy in Tokyo are working with Japanese authorities to determine whether any Canadians have been injured by the earthquake or the tsunami. We’re also closely monitoring the potential impact on Canada’s west coast, and we encourage all citizens to follow the instructions of local authorities.

I want to give greetings to Principal Allan Asselin, to all of the science outreach volunteers who are with here today, and of course, to Bonnie Schmidt, the President and Founder of Let’s Talk Science, whose vision is the inspiration for all of our presences here today.

It’s a real pleasure to be here in Guelph today. As you know, this place has always been known as the Royal City. But in recent years, it’s taken on a new title – Canada’s volunteer capital.

That is why this is the right place to make an announcement about our government’s support of a project that is being driven by volunteers all across Southern Ontario.

When Bonnie Schmidt launched Let’s Talk Science in the early 1990s, she believed that the critical importance of science learning was simply not being recognized as the priority that it should be. She set out to change that. Since then, Bonnie’s vision has inspired more than 2 million children, youth, educators, and volunteers in science, engineering and technology.

Children and teenagers have been participating in a full range of fun science programs, and we saw some of those this morning in a grade six class. We learned about math and physics while designing a roller coaster. That said, I wouldn’t want to go down the roller-coaster as fast as that marble.

Let’s Talk Science is not just about teaching, it also helps young people to appreciate how important an understanding of science can be to their futures.

The program depends on 2,000 volunteers who take on one of the most challenging duties in our society – that of role models. These volunteers are people with expertise – and more important –with a passion for science. They share their time and inspire young people. Volunteers like Linda Jewell.

Linda is working on her PhD, doing important agricultural research, studying a fungus that causes plant disease at the University of Guelph.

She got involved in the program, working with youth from Kindergarten to Grade 12, while studying organic chemistry. Now, Linda is the Let’s Talk Science coordinator for the University of Guelph. She has shared her passion for science with young people at local schools and community centres.

How about a round of applause for Linda and all of the volunteers who are here today!

By encouraging students to take an early interest in science these volunteers are also helping to build a culture of science and innovation, and helping to ensure a brighter future for our country.

These mentors are giving our youth the tools they need to become the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and problem solvers.  And tomorrow’s scientists and engineers, will keep this region at the forefront of  the knowledge-based economy for years to come.

Today, I’m proud to announce that our government is showing our support for science by investing in Let’s Talk Science so that more young people can get involved than ever before.

This funding will be used to expand the program in three ways.

First, we will expand the Let’s Talk Science Outreach to include events at more locations and to attract more volunteers so that 223,000 youth can participate and connect with science, engineering and technology professionals.

Second, we will expand the All Science Challenge for students in Grades 6 to 8 so that over 4,000 more kids can compete.

And third, we will expand the online Curio City project to make it more interactive.

Funds for the program are coming from FedDev Ontario, the Regional Economic Development Agency that our government established for Southern Ontario.

After all, science is critical to the future of this region’s economy. What’s more, ladies and gentlemen, scientific innovation is essential to Canada’s continued prosperity.

As innovative companies invest in research and create new jobs, they will depend on young people with an education in science. That’s why I am so pleased that Let’s Talk Science will expand its programming and reach out to ever more students.

Thank you very much.

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