NEWSLETTER

December 10, 2020

        

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This past year, CASC staff and its Board of Directors have been working tirelessly to support our sector. We’ve increased our communications and are regularly sharing helpful resources, amplifying science communication offerings of our members, and connecting our community. You can learn more about our ongoing efforts here.

We couldn’t have done it without our members, partners, collaborators, and volunteers. A special thanks to NSERC and Rideau Hall Foundation, key financial sponsors who supported our pivot to engage our community online at our virtual CASCADE Awards Ceremony, Annual General Meeting (AGM) Panel Presentation, and community forums. Our CASC staff also send a heartfelt thanks to Science North and Ontario Science Centres for housing our offices and for their ongoing support.

As we close off 2020 and look to the future, check out this aptly titled CASC session WTF 2020: Canadian perspectives during a time of disruption, which took place at the ASTC 2020 Virtual Conference. This session explored What the Future holds from CASC Member leaders across Canadian Science Centres, Museums, and Zoos.

Wishing you holidays filled with fun and laughter, and very best wishes for a prosperous new year.

COVID-19 Recovery & Updates

> Government Announcements

The Federal Government delivered its Fall Economic Statement on Monday, November 30th. Some key supports for our sector include: 

  • The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)  is extended to June 2021 and the maximum rate of the program is increased to 75% for the next three periods or until March 13, 2021.

  • Expanding the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) program and allowing qualifying businesses to access an additional interest-free $20,000 loan, in situations where there is need. Revised applications now open. The deadline to apply for a CEBA loan has been extended to March 31, 2021.

Additional supports that may benefit some CASC members include:

  • Extending the current subsidy rates of the Government’s fixed cost relief program, Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy to March 13, 2021, to provide greater certainty to businesses.

  • Providing $500 million in additional funding to the Regional Development Agencies to provide financing support to local businesses unable to access other federal financial assistance.

  • Investments of $575.3 million over the next two years in the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy. This is the broader strategy which funds the Young Canada Works program. The government is also increasing investment and offering more flexibility to the Canada Summer Jobs program.

  • Creating the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program - a 100% government-backed credit availability loan program at low-interest rates for the hardest-hit businesses.

Association Updates

> There is STRENGTH IN BONDS: Join us for 2021!

We’re excited to announce that we have revamped our membership structures to be more inclusive of our diverse sector. 

Why you should join CASC…

  • We are a community that bridges the formal and informal science learning environments.

  • We believe in the value of making science approachable on a local scale, and providing accessible places for people to fuel their curiosity regarding science.

  • We believe science and innovation engagement has the power to ignite curiosity and empower collective action.

  • We care about sparking interest and inspiring the next generation of young adults to pursue a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

  • We support the idea of sharing best science engagement practices, cultivating an ecosystem approach, helping scale innovative initiatives, and helping to drive policy change to recognize and value the informal science learning and public engagement sector.

What are some of the membership benefits?

  • Help to drive policy change.

  • Representation at the federal level.

  • Exclusive webinars, forums, networking events and communities of practice.

  • Access to programming and funding opportunities.*

  • Marketing and promotions across our network.*

Find out which membership is right for you.

Science Centre/Museum Membership*
Affiliate Membership*

 Individual Membership

> Welcome to our Newest Members

Fraser River Discovery Centre

New Westminster, BC

The FRDC's mission is to be the Voice of the Fraser in presenting the stories of the Fraser River and their contributions to the life, history, and future of British Columbia.  Discover the stories and diversity of the entire Fraser River. Through rotating exhibits and hands-on programmes, the Fraser River Discovery Centre presents the river’s contribution to the life, history, and future of British Columbia and its people. The Discovery Centre seeks to connect communities up- and down-river and to provide a place to discuss, debate, and showcase the living, working Fraser River.

Exploramer

Sainte-Anne-des-Monts in the Gaspésie, QC

Situated on the wharf front of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts in the Gaspé, Exploramer is a scientific museum dedicated to the St. Lawrence River. Having an aquarium, museum exhibitions, sea excursions aboard its scientific vessel, coastal interpretation activities, an educational program, and the Blue Fork certification for the promotion of products from sustainable fisheries, Exploramer offers its visitors the sea to discover.

> Upcoming Member Discussions

Topic: COVID-19 Response 

Date: Friday, December 18, 1:00 – 2:00 PM EST

Location: ZOOM

Who should attend? CASC Member CEOs and Executive Directors

Invitations are sent via email. Please contact mader@casc-accs.com if you would like to be added to the invitation list.


Topic: School and Public Programming

Date: Friday, January 15, 2020 1:00 PM EST

Location: ZOOM

Who should attend? Education and Programming staff from CASC member institutions.

Invitations are sent via email. Please contact leduc@casc-accs.com if you would like to be added to the invitation list.

A special thank you to everyone who attended and to the team of dedicated volunteers that helped make these meetings and the launch of a new community of practice (CoP) possible:

Michael Edwards, Science East

Kate Henderson, Science World

Tina Leduc, Science North

Valerie Lefebvre, Ingenium

Ashley Miller, THEMUSEUM

We’d also like to acknowledge the support from the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) and Wendy Hanncock, their Senior Manager of Programs and Events for  providing a private space (CoP) for this group of CASC members to engage with others, pose questions and share resources.

News & Opportunities

COLLABORATORS & FRIENDS

  • NSERC Science Odyssey: From May 1 to 16, 2021, join us in celebrating Science Odyssey to showcase the importance of science in our daily lives, not only to tackle the complex aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to equip Canadians to challenge disinformation, think critically, and better navigate the complicated world in which we live. 
  • The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) needs your help to reach the next generation of space explorers, scientists and engineers. 
    By taking the survey, you will let CSA know the best ways to connect with teachers and other educators.

NRCan: Science and Technology Internship Program (STIP) – Green Jobs

ECCC: Science Horizons Youth Internship Program (Science Horizons)

The deadline to submit a proposal is Wednesday January 13, 2021, at 23:59 Pacific Time.

  • Alberta University launches two new online courses from the Faculty of Native Studies:

    Indigenous Peoples and Technoscience This course introduces students to the long and complicated relationships between science and technology fields, broader dynamics of colonialism, and increasing demands for Indigenous governance of the sciences and technologies that affect them. Instructors: Kim TallBear, Jessica Kolopenuk
    Countering Stereotypes of Indigenous Peoples This course pulls the rug out from underneath settler-based constructions of Indigeneity. Taking up the most prevalent stereotypes of Indigenous people, students learn to unpack and challenge the narratives that both skew the lived experience of Indigenous peoples and allow the replication of stereotypes that reinforce colonial relationships. Instructors: Tasha Hubbard, Tracy Bear, Sara Howdle

    FUNDING & GRANTS

    • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) refurbishes donated digital devices and distributes them to schools, libraries, nonprofit organizations, Indigenous communities, and low-income individuals across Canada. Refurbished devices available through this program include desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Applications may be submitted to the local CFS+ Affiliate at any time.
    • National Geographic: COVID-19 Remote Learning Emergency Fund for Educators supports individual educators, or an individual educator working in collaboration with other educators or National Geographic Explorers, to design instructional resources that help educators effectively teach in remote or hybrid learning environments. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $8,000 are provided in the subject areas of science, social studies, and geography. Applications may be submitted until further notice. 
    • The Molson Foundation Support for Arts, Education, and Health Initiatives Across Canada The Molson Foundation brings together community organizations and institutions from across Canada to shape innovation and create lasting change for the benefit of society. Areas of interest include education, health, and arts and humanities. The Foundation usually provides organizations with either seed funding, or one-payment grants. Registered charities and qualified donees are eligible to apply. There is no specific deadline for submission of grant applications.
    • Thomas Sill Foundation provides grants to improve the quality of life throughout Manitoba. The Foundation’s areas of interest include: 1) arts and culture; 2) heritage, including architecture and museums; 3) education, including students at risk and municipal libraries; 4) environment, including water issues; 5) health, including palliative care and mental illness; and 6) responses to community, including community well-being, poverty, women’s shelters, daycares, and mentally and physically challenged people. Grants are awarded for capital, operating, or project costs. Registered charities are eligible to apply. There are no application deadlines.  

    OUR MISSION

    CASC empowers a national network of organizations who champion Science and Innovation by making science approachable, relevant, and accessible.

    OUR VISION

    Canada has a thriving science and innovation culture of engaged citizens.

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