NEWSLETTER

October 1, 2020

        

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CASC continues to advocate for the science centre and science museum sector. We are committed to providing our members with the most up-to-date information to help organizations navigate a changing landscape. A recent article “Widening our scope for the 21st century” published in Muse Magazine by CASC Past President, Tracy Calogheros eloquently addressed the timely question “where do we go from here”.

“The challenge for our industry as we move through this pandemic, is to learn from our successes and mistakes, and apply that learning to the other collective challenges we are facing; reconciliation with Canada’s First Peoples, climate change, systemic racism and those yet unforeseen, like future pandemics.” - Tracy Calogheros

COVID-19 Recovery & Updates

> Government Announcements

Government extends CEWS & CEBA: During the Speech from the Throne on Wednesday September 23, the federal government announced that it is extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) into next summer and that they would expand the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) to: help businesses with fixed costs and “(introduce) further support for industries that have been the hardest hit, including travel and tourism, hospitality, and cultural industries like the performing arts.” The extension of CEWS addressed a key advocacy goal for CASC. We will continue to advocate for targeted stimulus support, to support the adaptation of science engagement efforts during the pandemic.

Quebec Premier François Legault announces Quebec tightening COVID-19 restrictions. The spread of COVID-19 is at a critical level in some regions of Québec. More than ever, regions must mobilize to limit the spread of the virus. Consult the Map of COVID-19 alert levels to find out the alert level and the measures to be observed in your region.

Bars, casinos, reception halls, theatres, libraries and museums will all be closed for a 28-day period, effective October 1, 2020 at midnight.

Press Release (available in French only)

Related CBC article (English)

Association Updates

> The Future of Science Engagement Looks Promising!

On Tuesday September 22, 2020, we hosted our first virtual AGM! To everyone who attended (record-breaking attendance) THANK YOU!

We would like to thank Senator Stan Kutcher for taking a moment to recognize the work our sector is doing and for supporting science communication and engagement in Canada.

Following the AGM, we heard from a SUPERSTAR line-up on the Future of Science Engagement. We invite you to follow them and support their work!

Check out the recorded video here.

We are also extremely grateful for the generous support of NSERC and Science Literacy Week for supporting the event.

We're looking forward to another year with many exciting initiatives ahead!

> Welcome to our 2020-21 Board of Directors: 

PRESIDENT

SANDRA CORBEIL

Director Strategic Partnerships and Networks

Ingenium - Canada's Museums of Science and Innovation

Ottawa, ON


TREASURER 

JULIE MOSKALYK

Science Director

Science North and Dynamic Earth

Sudbury, ON


PAST-PRESIDENT

TRACY CALOGHEROS

CEO

Exploration Place, Museum + Science Centre

Prince George, BC


JORDAN BAKER 

Development Specialist 

THEMUSEUM

Kitchener, ON


TOBI DAY-HAMILTON

Co-founder and Executive Director

LAUNCH Waterloo

Waterloo, ON


Dr. PAUL KORTENAAR

CEO

Ontario Science Centre

Toronto, ON

KATIE MCMAHON

Manager of Education Conservation

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Toronto, ON

VICE-PRESIDENT

SANDY BAUMGARTNER

CEO

Saskatchewan Science Centre

Regina, SK

SECRETARY

DOLF DEJONG

CEO

Toronto Zoo

Toronto, ON


ALAN NURSALL

President & CEO

TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

Edmonton, AB


CAROL PAUZÉ

Museum Director

Museum of Ingenuity J. Armand Bombardier

Valcourt, QC


JENNIFER PUNCH

Director, Marketing and Sales

Discovery Centre

Halifax, NS


CYBÈLE ROBICHAUD

Programming Director

Montréal Science Centre

Montréal, QC


LIEFF SALONIUS

Director of Development and Communications

Science East

Fredericton, NB


PAMELA TODD

Director, Marketing and Business Development

TELUS Spark

Calgary, AB

> Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Accessibility  Member Consultation

SAVE THE DATE: October 29, 2020 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm ET

CASC would like to hear from our members as we develop our next steps. We want to work with you to mobilize and empower a full spectrum of ideas, perspectives and talent to challenge ourselves and build a framework for learning, accountability and change. More details coming soon!

> CASC Executive Director selected for prestigious leadership programs.

Dr. Marianne Mader, CASC Executive Director, was selected to participate in the 2020 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference and the 2020 Banff Forum, incredible opportunities that bring together leaders, across sectors and regions to support their contributions to improving Canada for all those who live here.

> New Membership Levels: Coming January 2021 

We’re excited to announce that we have revamped our membership structures to be more inclusive of our diverse sector. We’ll be rolling out a campaign in the next month. Follow us on our social media platforms for updates! #CASCMembers #ScienceChampions

> We Welcome Our Newest Member

The Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) is an independent and non-political charitable organization established to amplify the impact of the office of the Governor General as a central institution of Canadian democracy, and to better serve Canadians through a range of initiatives linked to learning, leadership, giving and innovation.

Today the RHF has become a nation-building charity: a catalytic platform to connect people, causes and organizations which – while they will exist for differing purposes – share a common belief in and commitment to the potential of Canada.

The RHF serves to shine a light on Canadian excellence, and to create the conditions for more Canadians to succeed and to thrive.

The Rideau Hall Foundation established Canadian Innovation Week to recognize Canadian achievements and inspire the next generation of innovators.

> Connecting our Members

Video Discussion Groups: 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.

Topic: CASC CEO Discussion 
Friday, October 9, 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET

CASC continues to coordinate a "CASC COVID-19 Response Discussion" for CASC Member CEOs and Executive Directors to address advocacy efforts, re-opening issues, long-term plans, etc. Invitations are sent via email. Please contact mader@casc-accs.com if you did not receive an invitation and would like to join. Open to all CASC Members.


Topic: School Programming and Teacher Support 
Friday, October 16, 2020 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET

Led by a group of Education and Programming staff  from CASC member institutions this meeting addresses new challenges and opportunities with school programming and camps. Invitations are sent via email. Please contact leduc@casc-accs.com if you did not receive an invitation and would like to join. Open to all CASC Members. 

Have you joined our Community of Practice? With the generous support of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC), CASC has established a forum as a private space for the Education and Programming staff of CASC member institutions to engage with others, pose questions and share resources. Invitations are sent via email. Please contact leduc@casc-accs.com if you did not receive an invitation and would like to join. Open to all CASC Members.

News & Opportunities

COLLABORATORS & FRIENDS

    • Celebrate Satellites During World Space Week! October 4 – 10: The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) celebrates satellites and how they improve our lives! Have you ever wondered what would happen if satellites stopped working for 24 hours? Various communication products will be shared on CSA social media throughout World Space Week, including a video about how satellites help with climate change. On October 6 and 9, join CSA engineer Taryn Tomlinson for virtual talks on how Earth observation (EO) satellites can help protect our oceans (target audience: grades 6–9), and on the benefits of EO satellites in our everyday lives (target audience: grades 1–6). Each talk will be presented in both official languages. Follow the CSA on social media and celebrate World Space Week!

      Teachers and parents can also submit their young inventors’ ideas, you don't have to be a school to take part!

      Entries must be submitted by midnight Pacific Time on Sunday, December 20, 2020. 

      Submissions will be accepted throughout the year, however, we recommend uploading the invention ideas as soon as possible after your workshop. The most ingenious ideas will be selected for making, and those students will be paired with a maker or artisan to produce their ideas. The winners will be announced in time to celebrate Science Odyssey in May 2021.
        • ASTC 2020 Conference A one-of-a-kind event hosted online October 19–21 with pre-conference intensives planned for the week of October 13–16. CASC is organizing a session on “Canadian COVID-19 perspectives”- be sure to tune in!

        FUNDING & GRANTS

        • Ontario Trillium Foundation: Resilient Communities Fund

          Next Deadline Dec. 2, 2020

          OTF is investing in projects of eligible non-profit organizations to aid their medium to longer-term recovery efforts, help with their stabilization and build their capacity and resiliency in the aftermath of COVID-19. 

          This fund is providing a flexible range of activities over two deadlines to address the diverse needs of organizations and to support them where they are at in their recovery and rebuilding.  

          Request amount: From $5,000 to $150,000 

          Grant term: up to 1 year

        The Resilient Communities Fund is a one-time fund to support the non-profit sector recover and rebuild from the impacts emerging from COVID-19 so they can effectively meet the needs of communities across Ontario.
        • 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. 

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        The Canadian Association of Science Centres is a registered charity 

        (# 87543 9861 RR001). 

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