The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Society will receive $490,000 in federal funding to create new educational opportunities and guide the Space Centre's future. The Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), and Liza Frulla, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women announced the funding today.

These initiatives will help the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre retain its edge as one of only two space centres in Canada that connect educational institutions and the general public to research in the space field," said Minister Owen. "The Vancouver centre is on the forefront of research and education in innovation, and by helping determine its future, the Government of Canada is showcasing Canada's expertise and ensuring this important resource is available for years to come."

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of maintaining world-class artistic and heritage facilities that enhance the quality of Canadian life on a daily basis," said Minister Frulla. "The sustainability study will lead to an improvement of the audiences' experiences, and will be of benefit to other artistic or heritage organizations at the local, provincial or national level that use the Space Centre's theatre."

"Western Economic Diversification Canada has been a tremendous partner with us in major developments at the Space Centre over the years," said Donna Livingstone, Executive Director of the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. "They share our vision for sustainability, innovation and leading edge educational approaches, and we're very grateful for both their financial support and their experienced perspective and advice. They help us make a difference."

Western Economic Diversification Canada is contributing $445,000 and Canadian Heritage is contributing $45,000. Most of the funding will go towards purchasing equipment for the Centre's distant learning and outreach activities, upgrading and expanding its display systems and enhancing the visitor experience. The Space Centre will undertake a sustainability study to guide its strategic direction for the future.

The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre's mandate is to inspire interest in the fields of earth science, space science and astronomy from a Canadian perspective. In addition to its core programming offered at the planetarium and observatory, it has expanded its school participation to northern and Aboriginal communities as well as offering programs to Lower Mainland French immersion schools.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department mandated to support economic diversification in communities across Western Canada through activities that advance Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Communities. Funding for these initiatives was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget.

For additional information, contact:

Susan Schooley
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(604) 666-1318

Renée Gillen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(613) 954-1110

Todd Jones
Marketing and Communications
H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
(604) 738-7827 (ext 249)

Janet Miller
Senior Communications Officer
Canadian Heritage
(604) 666-1345