National Science and Technology Week

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National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) is an opportunity for Canadians, notably youth, to learn about the importance of science and technology. Science plays a large role in the day-to-day lives of Canadians. This week is aimed at engaging youth in science and technology events and activities and inspiring them to consider science as a career.

Message from the Minister for
National Science and Technology Week
(October 16-25, 2009)

This year’s National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) marks more than 18 years of science and technology celebrations across Canada. As Minister responsible for Fisheries and Oceans, I am very pleased to take part in this week’s activities. At Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), science is the foundation to all key decision-making and is essential to our mandate and priorities.

My department’s science sector is at the cutting edge of scientific investigation, with 15 research institutes, laboratories and experimental centres across Canada. Through research, data management, and the provision of products, services, and advice, DFO works to ensure safe and accessible waterways, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, and healthy and productive aquatic ecosystems.

As part of DFO’s commitment to scientific excellence, my department developed a Five-Year Research Agenda and Plan (2008-2013) relating to science and technology. It outlines 10 research priorities ranging from climate change to aquatic invasive species, and provides us with an important roadmap for our science resources going into the future.

DFO scientists also played a prominent role in the International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008, which is the largest international scientific research program focused on Arctic and Antarctic regions. I am proud to say that DFO had the lead on six IPY projects funded by the Government of Canada and we continue to have a strong science presence in the north, demonstrating our ongoing dedication to Canada’s integrated Northern Strategy.

Many of DFO’s projects are carried out with our partners at other federal and provincial government departments, universities and with industry. Together, we will continue to improve the health of Canada’s fisheries and oceans, carefully balancing the need to conserve and protect the environment with our efforts to build sustainable economic opportunities for Canadians.

I wish our partners and the entire scientific community a successful and productive National Science and Technology Week.

The Honourable Gail Shea, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

DFO Events and Activities for NSTW

Events in Ontario

• Science FunFest http://www.science.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=en&n=2DE41B08-1

Events in British Columbia

• Big Little Science Centre Society Fall Open House http://www.science.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=en&n=8F58575B-1
• Brighouse Science Bash http://www.science.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=en&n=8F58575B-1