The launch of Canada Interactive Network in seven museums across Canada brings Expo 2005 into Canadian museums and homes
Ottawa, April 5, 2005 – Seven Canadian museums, partners of the Canada Pavilion at the 2005 World Exposition in Aichi, Japan, participated today in the launch of the Expo 2005 Canada Interactive Network (Canada Expo 2005 I-net), enhancing Canadians’ experience of Expo 2005.
The Expo 2005 Canada I-Net links Cyber Explorers at stations both in the Canada Pavilion and in seven participating museums across Canada, which are, from East to West: the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax, the Centre des Sciences of Montréal, the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa, the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto, the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife, and Science World British Columbia in Vancouver.
"The Canadian Museum of Civilization is pleased to join with six great museums across the country to be part of the Canada Pavilion at Expo 2005 via this exciting new network," said Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. "Through this creative multimedia forum people can virtually participate in an international event that brings peoples of the world together by sharing knowledge, in the same way the Canadian Museum of Civilization promotes a better understanding of Canada’s history and its cultural diversity."
"The Canada Science and Technology Museum (CSTM) saw this project as a great opportunity to share the stories of Canadian inventions and innovations", said Claude Faubert, Director General of the Museum. "Visitors to Canada's Pavilion at Expo 2005 and virtual visitors at museums across Canada can experience this latest Canadian innovation, the Canada I-Net. The CSTM’s contribution to Virtual Canada includes games and stories about great Canadians and important Canadian inventions. We are delighted to participate in this exciting project."
This network will be in place throughout the exposition and is also accessible through the Canada at Expo 2005 website at www.expo2005canada.gc.ca. Among other things, they will be able to explore a 3D virtual Canada landscape comprising museums, landmarks and original content created by schools and other groups. Available to all in their homes or in schools, this virtual Canada is a unique starting point for the exploration of the many facets of Canada’s theme at Expo 2005, diversity.
"Canada’s theme at Expo 2005 complements the general theme of the Aichi exposition, ‘Nature’s Wisdom,’ and truly reflects the particular nature of Canada: a country that finds strength and wisdom in its diverse communities," said Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister Responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla. "Particularly as a result of its partnership with seven Canadian museums, the Expo 2005 Canada I-Net demonstrates our commitment to showcase all aspects of Canadian diversity, as well as our technological innovation."
This virtual network is one of many of initiatives whose aim is to encourage Canadians to participate in Expo 2005. "Interactive technologies not only allow Canadians to engage in a dialogue with Japan, but also to connect with other Canadians," adds Norman Moyer, Commissioner General for Canada at Expo 2005. He is thrilled that so many Canadians will be able to take part in "an event that represents an extraordinary opportunity for exchange and discovery."
All Internet users, not only in Canada but across the world, will be able to discover the Canada Pavilion and all of its attractions.
The 2005 World Exposition will take place in Aichi, Japan, from March 25 to September 25. An estimated 15 million visitors are expected.
For more information on the Expo 2005 Canada Interactive Network, please visit http://www.expo2005canada.gc.ca
Media Information:
Rachael Duplisea, Canadian Museum of Civilization
(819) 776-7167
rachael.duplisea@civilization.ca
Caroline Desabrais, Canada Science and Technology Museum
(613) 998-5342
cdesabrais@technomuses.ca
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