100 Years of Excellence in Energy and Minerals Science and Technology

OTTAWA - The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, has officially announced the launch of centennial celebrations to mark 100 years of excellence in Government of Canada energy, mining and minerals science and technology. For 100 years, the Government of Canada has been working with the energy and mining industries to promote economic productivity, protection of the environment, and health and safety for people in Canada and around the globe.

“We have some of the best researchers in the world working at Natural Resources Canada to develop mining materials and energy technologies,” said Minister Lunn. “I want all Canadians to recognize the outstanding contributions these scientists continue to make to our lives as they build on a century’s worth of achievements.”

Research in these vital sectors of Canada’s economy began in 1907 with the Mines Act of the Government of Canada and the creation of the federal Department of Mines. It continues today under the direction of CANMET, which is part of Natural Resources Canada. CANMET employs about 700 people, who deliver science and technology programs and services from world-class research facilities in Alberta, Ontario and Quebec.

From the proper refinement of metals and fuels research 100 years ago to the development of pipelines and the oil sands today, Government of Canada energy, mining and minerals research has played a major role in the lives of all Canadians. Looking to the future, we can expect to see federal government researchers working on the further development of renewable energy and the wider applications of fuel-cell, hydrogen and hybrid vehicles built with lightweight metals. These and other innovations in energy and mining technologies will provide significant benefits to the economy and to the health of Canadians and their environment.

In cooperation with stakeholders and other partners, Natural Resources Canada begins a second century committed to the sustainable development of the earth’s mineral and energy resources.