OTTAWA, October 17, 2014 – Let's Talk Energy, a pan-Canadian initiative of the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation (CSTMC) is proud to announce a new community of practice for energy educators. The new Canadian Energy Literacy Network (CELN) consists of professionals, organizations, and advocates who are working to improve energy literacy, and promoting discussion on energy related issues in Canada. The collaborations made possible by CELN will ultimately create educational opportunities and programs to advance the energy dialogue in Canada.

The CELN already counts a wide diversity among its participants including Canadian museums, science centres, Canadian energy associations, post-secondary institutions, government agencies, and non-government organizations, coming together to contribute a wide variety of ideas and perspectives, and to provide access to a wide spectrum of expertise.

“Energy is one of the most urgent and compelling topics facing Canadians. It has an impact on our economy, environment, and household budgets, and will no doubt be a major factor in shaping the future of this country. A subject this important requires all Canadians from east to west, from north to south, to understand as much as possible about energy issues and we want to help facilitate that understanding” said Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation President & CEO, Alex Benay.

The announcement of CELN coincides with National Science and Technology Week, a 10-day celebration of Canadian accomplishments and innovation. Canada has an established legacy and practice of developing innovative ways to unlock and harness our vast energy resources. Building upon Canada’s rich history and demonstrated international leadership in science and technology research in hydro, wind, tidal, petroleum, and nuclear energy, CELN will develop a strong voice for energy literacy, and will contribute to the next generation of Canadians participating in efficient and responsible development of our natural resources.

Let’s Talk Energy would like to recognize the assistance of its established partners, in particular Suncor Energy Foundation (SEF) in launching this exciting new initiative. CELN invites interested organizations to join this community of practice and help grow its important contribution to Canada’s energy literacy.

“We want to help Canadians understand how to make informed energy choices," said Arlene Strom, vice president, Sustainability and Communications, Suncor and SEF board member. "We need to focus on dialogue, idea sharing and action, which is why we are encouraging Canadians to engage in this very important conversation through the Canadian Energy Literacy Network.”

INFORMATION:

About Let’s Talk Energy
Let's Talk Energy is a pan-Canadian energy literacy initiative, which the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation (CSTMC) developed with the help of a national advisory committee and visionary sponsors. It features three major exhibitions at the CSTMC's museums (the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, with Energy Park: Nature at Work; the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, with Green Skies Ahead; and the Canada Science and Technology Museum, with Energy: Power to Choose). In addition to the exhibitions, Let's Talk Energy consists of a network of 30 partner museums across Canada that are actively promoting energy literacy. Let's Talk Energy also includes virtual educational materials for schools, activities and events, and a national energy awareness week. For more on Let’s Talk Energy visit letstalkenergy.ca

Suncor Energy
Suncor Energy is Canada's leading integrated energy company. Suncor's operations include oil sands development and upgrading, conventional and offshore oil and gas production, petroleum refining, and product marketing under the Petro-Canada brand. A member of Dow Jones Sustainability indexes, FTSE4Good and CDP, Suncor is working to responsibly develop petroleum resources while also growing a renewable energy portfolio. Suncor is listed on the UN Global Compact 100 stock index and the Corporate Knights' Global 100. Suncor's common shares (symbol: SU) are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges.

For more information about Suncor Energy and our community investment program, please visit our website at suncor.com/community.

Suncor Energy and the Suncor Energy Foundation (SEF) have a proud history helping build sustainable communities through collaborative partnerships that enhance the quality of life in key operating areas. Over the past 10 years, Suncor and the SEF have invested more than $137 million in charitable and non profit organizations across Canada and internationally. The SEF is a private, charitable foundation established to receive Suncor's contributions and support registered Canadian charitable organization.

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INFORMATION:

Media :
Olivier Bouffard
Media relations
CSTMC
613-410-5943
obouffard@technomuses.ca

Partnerships :
Nori Gowan
Talk Energy Week 2015
613-219-7409
ngowan@technomuses.ca