Released on October 8, 1996
Deputy Premier and Economic Development Minister Dwain Lingenfelter
said today he hopes people will take advantage during Science and
Technology Week to learn more about Saskatchewan's growing science and
technology industry and its economic impact on the province.
A provincial proclamation has been issued for the period of Oct. 18 to
27, to coincide with the dates for National Science and Technology
Week. The theme for this year's Science and Technology Week is Science
is Inventing.
"When you look at the technological accomplishments and advancements
made in our province, this year's theme is especially appropriate to
Saskatchewan," Lingenfelter said. "We are developing many new
technologies and products that are being used worldwide in such areas
as agricultural biotechnology, telecommunications, computer software,
health care management systems, and others."
Some of the key science and technology-related developments or
announcements made in Saskatchewan in the past year include:
the recommendation that Saskatoon be chosen as the site for
Canada's first synchrotron light source research facility, which
has the potential to create 85 direct jobs;
the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Information
Systems Management Corporation (ISM) for the establishment of a
national Centre of Competency for year 2000 computer
transformation services, with up to 200 new jobs to be created;
Saskatoon's state-of-the-art research park, Innovation Place, will
undergo a $7.8 million expansion;
an agreement to develop plans for the establishment of a research
and development park associated with the University of Regina and
the successful Agricultural Biotechnology International Conference
which was held this year in Saskatoon.
"The building and expansion of our science and technology industries,
and research and development capabilities is playing a key role in the
province's economic development strategy, Partnership for Growth,"
Lingenfelter said. "We are attracting more high-tech investment, which
means jobs and economic activity for Saskatchewan people and
businesses."
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For more information, contact:
Debbie Wilkie
Economic Development
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-7982
Science and Technology Week in Saskatchewan
October 18 to 27, 1996
Highlights of Activities
The theme for the week is: "Science is...Inventing"
October 17 and 19: People are invited to assemble and
launch their own reusable rocket. Location: Room 146 Kirk
Hall, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon. Contact: Peter
Jonker (306) 966-5552.
October 17: The winners of the Ag-West Biotech $1,000
scholarship essay contest will be announced. Contact:
Maurice Robert (306) 975-1966.
October 18 to 27: Search the internet and find out all
about Saskatchewan's contribution to the world of science
and invention, by participating in the Internet Hunt.
Location: http://www.sfn.saskatoon.sk.ca./science/nstw/ is
the internet address you'll need for this fun and exciting
event. Contact: Darlene Fisher (306) 966-7209.
October 18 to 27: Discover how air traffic controllers deal
with severe weather conditions by visiting this all new
exhibit, Thunderstorm Detectives. Location: Saskatchewan
Science Centre, Winnipeg Street and Wascana Drive, Regina.
Contact: The Saskatchewan Science Centre (306) 791-7914.
October 18 to 27: Science Fair-related activities will be
held at schools in four regions of the province: Regina,
contact Jim Langen at (306) 791-8566; Prince Albert, contact
Annette Brockman at (306) 922-3115; Moose Jaw, contact
Rhonda Phillips at (306) 731-2262; and Northern
Saskatchewan, contact Ken Gray at (306) 425-2255.
October 23: Learn the ancient art of making stone arrows
and spear points at the Flint Knapping Workshop. Location:
Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Albert Street and College Avenue,
Regina. Contact: Royal Saskatchewan Museum (306) 787-2815.
October 24: Grade 8 students in Saskatoon will discover the
internet and other multimedia goodies at the "Come and
Explore Computers" event. Location: Computer Systems
Technology, Kelsey Institute, Saskatoon. Contact: Dr. Cyril
Coupal (306) 933-8360.
October 25: Launching of the Institute for Computer and
Information Technology, which will promote applied research
and development and technology transfer within Saskatchewan.
Location: Department of Computer Science, University of
Saskatchewan, Saskatoon. Contact: Jim Greer (306) 966-8655.