Innovation 150 announces plans for Canada's 2017 birthday celebrations

The Liberal government is providing $5.9 million to celebrate Canadian innovation as the country marks its 150th anniversary in 2017. Dubbed Innovation 150, the programming will be delivered by five science outreach organizations led by the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.

The other participating organizations delivering the celebratory program are Actua, a youth-focused national charitable organization, the Institute for Quantum Computing, the Canadian Association of Science Centres and the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corp.

The program kicks off in Waterloo this October before travelling across the country through 2017.

The funding is being delivered by Canadian Heritage which has a $210-million budget approved by the previous Conservative government under the Canada 150 Fund banner.

The events will include:

• Power of Ideas National Tour, a travelling exhibition featuring an interactive science exhibit prepared by the Perimeter Institute. The tour also includes a speakers series with 80 communities on the itinerary;

• MakerMobile, a "space" produced by Actua allowing youth to experiment with hands-on technology such as 3D printers. It will focus on visiting remote and Indigenous communities;

• Quantum: The Exhibition, an interactive, bilingual travelling exhibition featuring emerging quantum technologies and the field of quantum science;

• Innovation Celebration Festivals, large-scale events that pull together the program's travelling components to showcase innovation and engage entire communities;

• Innovation 150 Digital Hub, the on-line nexus for Innovation 150 activities featuring information, innovation-related stories, space to share ideas and contests; and,

Public Awareness Campaign, a package of promotions, media engagements and interactive on-line content highlighting the past, present and future of Canadian innovation. Various strands will target youth, families and communities.

Former Research In Motion co-CEO Jim Balsillie has been named a Canada 150 ambassador to encourage the private sector to participate.

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