MP Trost Highlights Investment at the University of Saskatchewan to Create Jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - July 8, 2015) -

Brad Trost, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Humboldt, accompanied by the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, and on behalf of the Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today highlighted the funding that the University of Saskatchewan received through the PromoScience Program. The support will help provide elementary school- and high school-aged Canadians with better opportunities to gain skills for careers in science-based fields later in life.

Canada currently has the most educated workforce among developed OECD countries; however, less than half of Canadians' first university or college degrees are in science-based fields. To ensure that Canada continues to develop leading researchers and that Canadians have the skills to match the needs of Canada's modern economy, the Harper Government has committed to increase its investment in PromoScience, a program that supports community-based science camps and outreach activities for elementary school- and high school-aged Canadians.

Mr. Trost and Minister Van Loan visited with the students attending the University of Saskatchewan's Rocks and Fossils science camp, along with Interim University of Saskatchewan President Gordon Barnhart and SCI-FI Science Camps Coordinator Evan Nordquist. The university was one of this year's 66 PromoScience recipients. The funding awarded is supporting its SCI-FI Science Camps, Science Ambassador Program and PotashCorp Kamskénow. The goal of these programs is to encourage youth, in particular those living in rural and Aboriginal communities, to increase their participation and literacy in the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

PromoScience, a program managed by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, offers financial support to a wide variety of organizations that motivate youth to take an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through the work of these organizations, budding scientists and engineers learn about scientific methods, meet role models and develop valuable critical thinking skills.

Quick facts

• On March 18, 2015, Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology), announced $3.6 million in PromoScience support to 66 recipients, which will engage over a million young Canadians. PromoScience supports hands-on activities and mentoring programs in natural and life sciences, engineering, technology and mathematics for young Canadians and their teachers.
• The University of Saskatchewan received more than $100,000 in PromoScience funding to support three programs. SCI-FI Science Camps received $8,500 to provide fun, hands-on science and technology programs. The Science Ambassador Program was awarded $66,000 to pair senior university science and engineering students with rural and remote Aboriginal community schools to support hands-on science learning activities. PotashCorp Kamskénow received $29,700 to provide interactive science and mathematics activities to Saskatoon community schools.
• Prime Minister Stephen Harper recently delivered on the government's commitment to provide an updated science and technology strategy. The strategy, Seizing Canada's Moment, is a vision and a road map for strengthening Canada's position as a global leader in scientific research and harnessing greater Canadian research and development that create jobs, increase prosperity and improve the quality of life of Canadians.
• Nearly one million young people each year learn more about science, environmental preservation, aerospace technology, engineering and math through the organizations supported by PromoScience.
• While most young Canadians are passionate about science, only 2 in 5 consider a career in the field of science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). What's more, many high-paying jobs in today's knowledge economy already require STEM skills. The Harper Government, through the updated science, technology and innovation strategy, will triple its support for PromoScience to ensure young Canadians become passionate about acquiring the necessary skills and training for jobs in Canada's modern knowledge economy.

Quotes

"Our government understands that Canadian businesses, universities and colleges require young Canadians with strong skill sets in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to be successful going forward. Thanks to PromoScience support, the University of Saskatchewan's science activities will provide young people in rural and Aboriginal Saskatchewan communities with an opportunity to develop a passion for the sciences that can lead to fulfilling, high-paying jobs later on in life."

- Brad Trost, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Humboldt

"PromoScience grants support foundation-building work that will have lasting effects on Canada. The University of Saskatchewan's PromoScience science camps and outreach activities are helping encourage the next generation of researchers while opening doors to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics."

- Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

"Our government is committed to creating jobs and opportunities, which is why we are making record investments to develop, attract and retain the world's most talented researchers. We will increase our investment in PromoScience to inspire the next generation of leading researchers while ensuring young Canadians have the science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills required for rewarding careers in the modern Canadian economy."

- Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology)

"Science literacy is an essential part of the education of every citizen in the modern world today. PromoScience aims first to spark the passion of students for science and engineering. That will then let us reach out to their parents, whether it's through help with science projects, visits to science centres or nature reserves, or dinnertime conversations."

- B. Mario Pinto, President, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

"These investments will spark students' passion for science, which can lead to excellent career opportunities in the future. These innovative projects are a great example of how we promote active, inclusive learning, and I commend the coordinators and everyone associated with these outstanding programs for helping to strengthen bonds with communities, particularly with our Aboriginal partners."

- Gordon Barnhart, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Saskatchewan

Associated links

- About the University of Saskatchewan funded programs

- SCI-FI Science Camps

- Science Ambassador Program

- PotashCorp Kamskénow

- PromoScience Program

- PromoScience grant recipients

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The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is the primary funding agency supporting Canada's science and engineering research community. The agency supports almost 30,000 post-secondary students and post-doctoral fellows in their advanced studies. NSERC promotes discovery by funding approximately 12,000 professors every year and works with over 3,000 Canadian companies that are participating and investing in post-secondary research projects.