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2002/98
August 13, 2002
DHALIWAL ANNOUNCES $24,000 IN GEOMATICS SCHOLARSHIPS
OTTAWA — The Government of Canada is investing in some of Canada's brightest geomatics students. The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), today announced the names of 16 college and university students from across Canada who will receive scholarships worth $1,250 to $1,750 under the Geomatics Canada Scholarship Program.
Geomatics is the scientific and technical field that uses a variety of technologies and methods to gather and manage geographic information. It includes disciplines such as surveying, mapping, remote sensing and global positioning systems. The Geomatics Canada Scholarship Program helps students working toward their degrees or diplomas in a geomatics-related field. It is funded by NRCan's Geomatics Canada and administered by the non-profit Canadian Institute of Geomatics. In addition to the financial assistance, the scholarship winners receive one-year student memberships in the Institute.
“These 16 young people share the spirit of innovation and dedication to excellence that has allowed Canada to become a world leader in geomatics,” said Minister Dhaliwal. “This exciting field ensures that our natural resources are used wisely and contribute to the quality of life of all Canadians.”
“The Geomatics Canada Scholarship Program has become widely recognized within the student community and among educational institutions," said G.T. (Tom) Herbert, the Institute's Executive Director. “It recognizes the accomplishments of students working toward their degrees or diplomas in a geomatics-related field, while encouraging research that will further Canada's position in the international marketplace.”
Canadian geomatics is a fast-growing field that is expected to generate more than 16,000 jobs over the next five years. Canadian geomatics companies generate close to $2 billion of products and services annually, 30 percent of which are exported. Canada ranks second in the world for geomatics technology development and international revenues, and its expertise and sophistication in applying new technologies are well-known throughout the world.
Founded in 1882, the Canadian Institute of Geomatics is a non-profit scientific and technical association devoted to advancing the development of geomatics in Canada. Its objectives include raising public awareness of the role geomatics plays in our daily lives and helping document the history, development and progress of geomatics in Canada.
This initiative builds upon the Government of Canada's commitment to helping young Canadians contribute to their country, gain employment and apply their business and creative skills. Funding for this program was provided for in the December 2001 budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
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For more information, media may contact:
Heather Bala
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
(613) 996-7252
G.T. (Tom) Herbert
Executive Director
Canadian Institute of Geomatics
(613) 224-9851
NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available on the Internet at http://www.nrcan.gc.ca.