I am writing this Newsbyte from the EastCup “Coffee-Choclates-Nuts” cafe in Halifax, near Dalhousie University. My trip is part of the regular national innovation road trips that the CFI (Canadian Foundation of Innovation) board holds across Canadian research facilities – that are funded together with matching support from each province. Board meeting locations alternate regularly from eastern to western Canada – with last year’s Annual Public Meeting (APM) being held at the University of Calgary.

Pleased to share a little “Taste of Halifax” which has a great connection to Alberta. I visited the legendary Tony’s Pizza and Donair for a traditional late night donair – where at 2AM, it did not disappoint in this busy and cozy location. Tony’s is thought to be where donairs were launched and perfected in Canada – in 1976. Since then, you can see donairs have become extremely popular – where donair mascots have been seen walking through Taste of Edmonton 2023 with our premier. 

Then later this week I head out to Ottawa, to participate on a CFI supported panel in the Youth Entrepreneurship Symposium held at the Canadian Science Policy Conference. This 16th annual edition CSPC 2024 is expecting over 1000 participants, and 300+ speakers from across the globe. The Canadian Science Policy Centre is a non-profit, non-partisan, and non-advocate organization and Canada’s largest and most diverse science and innovation policy community.

I would enjoy getting together with any other Albertans at this event for a “Team Alberta” presence – so do send me a note via linked-in or email, so that we can connect.

Thanks everyone – and looking forward to sharing the experience in next week’s Newsbyte

Gail J. Powley, P.Eng
Executive Director, ASTech Awards
President, Technology Alberta
[email protected]