April 9, 2020
As many of us move into a long weekend, we hope you are able to spend time with family and loved ones (at home or while practicing social distancing!). It’s an opportunity for reflection and gratitude. Here at CASC we are thankful for the tremendous work of our members and your continued commitment to Planking the Curve, facilitating Science at Home, and in many cases leading conversations on Supporting Canadians “after COVID-19”.
CANADIAN COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENTS
> Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan Details on support for individuals and businesses.
> Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Update
Last week, the Government of Canada announced an up to 75 per cent wage subsidy for qualifying businesses to help them keep and return workers to the payroll. Yesterday, the Prime Minister of Canada announced further flexibility for employers to access the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. For the period from March 15 to April 11, 2020, as many closed their doors mid-month, organizations will not have to show a 30% decrease in revenue, but rather a 15% decrease. For more information see the government’s backgrounder on this topic. The Prime Minister also noted yesterday that not-for-profit organizations and charities have the option to include or exclude government funding in the calculations of their revenue loss
CASC ADVOCACY EFFORTS
> CASC will participate in a HERITAGE PANEL — April 16, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. ET as part of the Canadian Museum Association’s online conference Museums Together.
This panel discussion will involve the National Trust of Canada, the Alliance of Natural History Museums of Canada, the Canadian Art Museum Directors Organization, the Canadian Association of Science Centres and Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums. Hear these organizations share common concerns and challenges and explore what can be done by working together.
CONNECTING MEMBERS
> Video Discussion Groups
Topic: Supporting Teachers/School Closures Chat
Apr 17, 2020 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
An invitation to join the scheduled Friday calls has been extended to all CASC member staff working in programs, education, outreach, camps and childcare. An email with an invitation will be sent via email. Please contact info@casc-accs.com if you did not receive an invitation and would like to join
Topic: CEO Discussion Forum
Apr 17, 2020 2:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
CASC will continue coordinating a “CASC COVID-19 Response Discussion” for CASC Member CEOs and Executive Directors. An email with an invitation will be sent via email.
As we all continue to navigate this rapidly-evolving global situation, CASC is here to help, support, and connect our community during these challenging times. Please contact us at info@casc-accs.com if you have ideas for how we can further support your organization.
NEWS FROM OUR NETWORK
> CASC Members Helping and Thanking Health Care Providers
We want to acknowledge and thank CASC members who are supporting health care providers face this global pandemic. A few examples of science centres and museums stepping up include:
Ingenium: Blog: Three things you should know about COVID-19
Science North: is 3D printing visors for health care workers at Health Sciences North.
Thanking health care workers:
Ingenium: 3 museums salute them by lighting up our Lighthouse and the Canada Science and Technology Museum in blue.Toronto Zoo: Thanking front-line workers on World Health Day
> CASC Members Sharing Online Educational Content
Canadian science centres and science museums are supporting families by offering free online educational content. The “What our Sector is Doing” page on the CASC website is updated on a regular basis so that CASC members can see what each other are doing. We encourage you to share on your social media platforms and with your network using the following #AtHomeWithCASC #ScienceChampions #LookForTheHelpers #ScienceAtHome. Here a just a few examples of what our members are doing:
Churchill Northern Studies Centre Check out the live Aurora cam hosted by explore.org and Polar Bears International. This camera is located at Churchill Northern Studies Centre so you can see the Northern lights live.
Montreal Science Centre is influencing their followers online through a “SPREAD THE MOVEMENT NOT THE VIRUS #CHALLENGE!”
Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum and #ArchosaurAprilAbsurdity
Science Timmins and their many STEM hands on activities and challenges.
TELUS World Of Science Edmonton and Alan’s Science at Home Facebook Live Series.
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM COMMUNITY COLLABORATORS
> Canadian Museum Association (CMA)
CMA has organized Museums Together, a free, one-day, virtual event to discuss some of the key issues facing Canada’s museums today.
April 16th, 11:00 am EST
> The Conference Board of Canada
On behalf of the Future Skills Centre, The Conference Board of Canada is researching leading practices in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education for Indigenous learners in Canada. As part of this research, they are looking at STEM outreach programs for Indigenous youth across Canada. As a participant of the survey, you will be among the first to receive the free report. To have your program represented, please complete the survey by Tuesday, April 21, 2020.
Survey link: STEM Outreach Programs for Indigenous Learners