Canada Welcomes International Science Community to Vancouver

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 17, 2012) - The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology, today issued the following statement about Vancouver hosting the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 2012 Annual Meeting:

"I would like to warmly welcome the international science community to Vancouver. We are delighted that Canada is hosting this annual meeting-one of the most widely recognized science events in the world-for the first time in 30 years.

"With speakers from more than half of the world's top 200 universities and representatives from more than 50 countries, this conference provides an unprecedented opportunity for Canadian researchers to showcase their work to the world. This year, the Canadian presence is stronger than ever as more than 170 Canadians are participating as speakers and lecturers.

"Our government's science and technology strategy ensures that we attract the world's brightest minds to work and study here. This conference allows us to show the international science community what we have to offer: from state-of-the-art research infrastructure to visionary research teams looking to take on global challenges-not to mention the progressive, world-class cities in which we live.

"It is indeed a distinct honour for Canada to be hosting this prestigious event. I wish the participants all the best for a most successful conference."

For further information on the Government of Canada's role in the AAAS conference, visit the Science and Technology for Canadians website (www.science.gc.ca).