Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Nancy Griffiths, and I am the executive director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Science Centre. I am here to describe the vision of the Newfoundland and Labrador Science Centre, to talk about the role that science centres play in a knowledge-based economy, and to request your support not only for our local science centre but also for all Canadian science centres.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Science Centre was founded in 1993 to deliver science and technology programs to school children around the province. In 1997 the science centre established a permanent home to host hands-on exhibits, school workshops, and public programming. With a mission to spark curiosity and inspire interest and participation in science and technology, the science centre continues to focus on science promotion and learning through interactive activities both in the centre and around the province.
While the current facility has allowed the science centre to grow, the needs now exceed the available space. Because of this constraint, the science centre has examined redevelopment strategy. The City of Mount Pearl has emerged as a partner that wishes to include the renewed science centre in a proposed multi-purpose recreation complex to be located in that municipality. The Newfoundland and Labrador Science Centre asks the federal government to support this infrastructure project, which will provide inspiring and stimulating experiences for the young people of this province.
Unique in the field, science centres engage children in truly interactive activities. We know that hands-on is the best way to learn, and that through positive education experiences, children are more apt to become confident students who are interested in post-secondary studies in science and technology. Developing a culture of entrepreneurship and inventiveness includes increasing participation in science and technology careers. This is critical for maintaining and improving Canada's competitiveness in an international knowledge-based economy.
The success of the Newfoundland and Labrador Science Centre is largely due to partnerships that have been forged with educational institutions and other like-minded groups. The science centre has long-standing partnerships with many agencies, but most notable are Memorial University and the province's school boards. The Newfoundland and Labrador Science Centre is not alone in its quest to establish a lasting relationship between Canadians and science. The Canadian Association of Science Centres' mission is to increase the capacity of science centres to enhance public understanding and enjoyment of science and technology. The Government of Canada can help, too, by supporting this network of 40 centres that deliver science and technology to new generations through seven million visitors a year.
Thank you.