Canada recently observed National Science and Technology Week. But as a former science teacher, I feel it’s important all year round to interest a child in science. We can do that by creating an atmosphere of delight and wonder – particularly along the lines of what interests them. When a child asks a question like, “What exactly is in skunk spray?” That’s a teachable moment. When helped to find answers to their own questions, a child will quickly become interested in the science behind nature.

Our children are the next generation of Canadian innovators, entrepreneurs and problem solvers. Our country’s future success as a global leader in innovation depends on how well we feed their curiosity along scientific lines. But it’s also crucial for parents and educators to promote careers in the fields of science and technology. Both fields equally lend themselves to exploration and discovery by children.

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s PromoScience program is at work motivating Canadian children to take an interest in science. In 2012, 49 organizations including universities, non-governmental organizations, museums and science centres, received new funding to help bring science to life for Canada’s youth. Whether learning about plants and animals on a hike with a university scientist or mulling over futuristic machines at a robot camp, through the PromoScience program, children are developing valuable critical thinking skills, meeting role models and gaining hands-on exposure to science.

Other great initiatives are helping to fuel the curiosity and creativity of Canada’s next generation of innovators. Thanks to our government’s support and not-for-profit organizations such as Scientists in School, students are discovering science through hands-on activities, workshops and interaction with scientists in their own classrooms.

Each year, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) works with Sanofi BioGENEius Challenge Canada to engage students in the emerging field of biotechnology and its applications in health care, agriculture and the environment. High school students are paired with mentors who guide them in their research and help them conduct experiments in world-class facilities, including laboratories at the NRC.

By investing in science and technology programming, we are preparing our kids for the jobs of the future. We’re also creating a stronger economy and improving the quality of life of Canadians for years to come. Any of our Canadian children may grow up to be the world’s next great innovators. It’s up to us to pave the way. You can begin that immediately by checking out the resources found on the government’s educational, entertaining, and fully interactive science website. You’ll find that at www.science.gc.ca. Click on Educational Resources for a bundle of exciting no-cost science information and activities.

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The audio version of Garry's Oct. 22, 2012 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here