Minister Duncan Explores Wonders of the Ontario Science Centre at Instagram Event

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan. 21, 2016) - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, today attended the #EmptyOntarioScienceCentre event hosted by Instagram and the Ontario Science Centre. She gave opening remarks before exploring the Centre alongside dozens of Toronto-area Instagrammers. The Minister's visit coincided with the launch of her ministerial Instagram account, @ScienceMin.

#EmptyOntarioScienceCentre event organizers encouraged Instagrammers in the Toronto area to explore the Ontario Science Centre before it opened its doors to the public for the day. The Ontario Science Centre joins the ranks of other landmark institutions that have held #Empty events, including the Louvre in Paris, the Guggenheim Museum in New York City, and the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. As part of Canada's Road to 2017, Instagram is planning to work with several landmark institutions across Canada to host #Empty events to bring people together to celebrate the beauty of Canadian arts, culture and digital media through the Instagram lens.

In her remarks, Minister Duncan emphasized the important part that science-based institutions like the Ontario Science Centre play in encouraging Canada's next generation of scientists and in spreading scientific literacy. She also highlighted the crucial role science can play in addressing the challenges Canada and the world will face in the future. While at the event, Minister Duncan also took the opportunity to launch an Instagram account to further engage with Canadians and inspire youth by featuring images related to Canadian science.

Quick facts

• Minister Duncan's mandate includes strengthening the recognition of and support for fundamental research; supporting efforts to help employers create more co-op placements for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students; and supporting the integration of science and evidence-based decision-making into government policy.
• #EmptyOntarioScienceCentre is the latest in a series of events that invite Instagrammers to explore globally important scientific and cultural institutions. It is the second Canadian #Empty event.

Quotes

"These events are great opportunities for Canada's young people to get out and explore exhibits at scientific and cultural institutions across our country. Institutions like the Ontario Science Centre perform an important function in society by promoting youth engagement with science. The Government of Canada encourages more young Canadians, especially young women, to explore the world of science and to choose exciting, dynamic careers in STEM fields."

- The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

"Instagram is delighted to collaborate with the Ontario Science Centre on the #roadto2017, celebrating Canada's 150th birthday through the lens of Instagrammers. We are excited that the Minister of Science will be participating in the celebration of this centennial building while promoting the importance of science and science education."

- Kevin Chan, Head of Public Policy, Canada, Facebook

"We are delighted to welcome Instagram and the Minister of Science to the Ontario Science Centre. Art and science derive from the same source - human creativity. The #EmptyOntarioScienceCentre event, as part of #Roadto2017, brings together art and science through Instagram and the artistic eyes of its practitioners. We have welcomed 50 million visitors since we opened our doors in 1969, and we hope to reach as many people through digital technologies such as Instagram."

- Dr. Maurice Bitran, CEO, Ontario Science Centre

Associated links

Ontario Science Centre

Follow the Minister on Instagram and Twitter: @ScienceMin