OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 16, 2009) - Today, the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology) (Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario), issued the following statement to mark the beginning of National Science and Technology Week:

"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to wish all Canadians, particularly children and young adults, an enjoyable and memorable time during National Science and Technology Week.

"I am honoured that Canadian astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk will officially launch the week from the International Space Station, where he has lived and worked for the past several months.

"Diverse events are set to take place across Canada between October 16 and 25, encouraging young people to learn about and be inspired by science and the work of this country's many researchers.

"National Science and Technology Week is co-hosted this year by the Canadian Space Agency and Natural Resources Canada.

"Our government believes that science, technology and innovation are vital in stimulating productivity, competitiveness and growth. The government's Science and Technology Strategy identified the need for individual Canadians and businesses to better understand the way science, technology and innovation increasingly help drive our economy and improve our quality of life.

"The government is committed to basic discovery-oriented research. Compared with other nations, Canada is extremely good at supporting university-based research. We invest more in higher-education research and development than any other country in the G7 as a proportion of gross domestic product. We rank first among the G7 countries, and our government's goal is to stay number one.

"Federal spending on science and technology has increased every year since 2006. In fact, our government is now investing more in science and technology than ever before - with science and technology spending expected to reach $10.7 billion in the fiscal year 2009-2010."

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
Minister of State (Federal Economic Development
Agency for Southern Ontario)
Christine Albee - Press Secretary
613-762-7891

or

Industry Canada
Media Relations
613-943-2502