TORONTO—Students as young as six years old will learn the importance of having an innovative spirit during a special visit at Dewson Street Public School in Toronto today.
Former governor general of Canada, the Right Honourable David Johnston will be sharing Innovation Nation and Ingénieux Junior, the young readers edition of his popular book Ingenious, with students at the school this morning.
“We wrote this book to celebrate the history and spirit of creativity in Canada, and to inspire all Canadians to think of themselves as innovators with a critical role to play in the improvement of everything we do together as a society, both at home and throughout the world,” Mr. Johnston wrote in the preface to the book, along with his co-author Tom Jenkins, Chair of OpenText and of the National Research Council.
The bright, kid-friendly Innovation Nation includes 50 examples of Canadian innovations that changed the world, from canoes to whoopee cushions, chocolate bars to zippers. Mr. Johnston will talk to the children about some of these innovations, and about the importance of learning to be innovative at a young age. The conversation will be followed by a question period with students.
Published simultaneously in English and French by Tundra Books (division of Penguin Random House Canada) and Les Éditions La Presse and illustrated by Josh Holinaty, the books have also been developed into a series of educational resources for Kindergarten through to Grade 12. Together with Innovation Nation, they will be invaluable resources for teachers who want to inspire their students to become innovators. The education resources are available for free at innovationculture.ca.
About the Rideau Hall Foundation
The Rideau Hall Foundation was established to amplify and extend the reach of the Office of Governor General in its goals to connect, honour and inspire Canadians. Signature programs fall within four programmatic areas: learning, leadership, innovation, and giving. We work with partners on initiatives that strengthen our national identity, build capacity and promote the advancement of a smart and caring nation. To learn more visit www.rhf-frh.ca.
All proceeds from Innovation Nation and Ingénieux Junior will be directed to the Rideau Hall Foundation for activities and programs that inspire and support innovation by Canadians in every province and territory.
For more information
Mélanie Béchard, Communications Officer
Rideau Hall Foundation
613-914.0651
melanie.bechard@rhf-frh.ca
Vikki VanSickle, Marketing and Publicity Manager
Tundra Books
416-928-2419
vansickle@penguinrandomhouse.com
Annie-France Charbonneau, Communications Advisor
Les Éditions La Presse
514-285-7000 ext. 6731
acharbonneau@lapresse.ca
