The Honourable James Edwards Appointed to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

OTTAWA, April 18, 2008 — The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), today announced the appointment of the Honourable James Edwards to the Council.

"Mr. Edward's wide-ranging experience and service to Canada will serve him well as a member of NSERC," said Minister Prentice. "Guided by the Science and Technology Strategy, the Government of Canada is committed to creating the right environment to further improve Canada's global leadership position in research excellence and to building a larger base of scientific expertise."

Mr. Edwards started his career in Edmonton, where he established the city's first FM stereo radio station for Sunwapta Broadcasting-CFRN. He then went on to hold the positions of manager of the radio division and President of the Western Association of Broadcasters before entering Parliament. Mr. Edwards served as Member of Parliament for Edmonton Southwest for nine years.

From 1998 to 2002, Mr. Edwards was President and CEO of Economic Development Edmonton, and then served as Chair of the University of Alberta Board of Governors until 2006.

NSERC is a federal agency whose role is to make investments in people, discovery and innovation for the benefit of all Canadians. The agency invests in people by supporting some 23 000 university students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies. NSERC promotes discovery by funding more than 11 000 university professors every year and helps make innovation happen by encouraging about 1300 Canadian companies to invest in university research and training. Over the past 10 years, NSERC has invested $6 billion in basic research, university-industry projects and the training of Canada's next generation of scientists and engineers.

For more information (media only), please contact:

Deirdra McCracken
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001

Doré Dunne
Manager, Public Affairs
NSERC Public Affairs
613-996-4690