Manning Innovation Awards and Symposium in Ottawa this October recognizing Canadian innovators of all ages

CALGARY, Oct. 2, 2012 /CNW/ - The Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation (www.manningawards.ca), one of Canada's most prestigious awards for innovation, is celebrating its 31^st awards gala and innovation symposium in Ottawa this October.

The Foundation, named after the former Alberta Premier and Senator, honours, supports and draws public attention to Canadians of all ages with the imagination to innovate and the stamina to succeed.

The Foundation is holding its 31^st annual awards gala on Wed. Oct. 17, 2012 at the Ottawa Convention Centre. Gala co-hosts are Senator Pamela Wallin and the Hon. James Moore, Canada's Minister of Heritage and Official Languages.

On Thurs. Oct. 18, Carleton University is hosting a Celebration of Innovation Symposium moderated by well-known Ottawa broadcaster and entrepreneur Mark Sutcliffe.  Two panel discussions "Incentives and Barriers to Innovation" and "Perspectives on Social Innovation" will be held, followed by a networking lunch amid displays of innovative projects by young Canadians. The symposium is free and open to the public but space is limited and registration is essential.

Foundation President David B. Mitchell, in announcing the 2012 Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation gala and innovation symposium, said more than 400 leaders from across Canada in government, business, academia and former Manning laureates will be in Ottawa for the celebrations.

"There is a critical need for more innovation in Canada," said Mr. Mitchell, "Canadians need to create and commercialize innovations to compete in the global economy. This Foundation supports, celebrates and draws attention to Canadian innovators and young Canadians showing potential to become future innovators," he said.

In announcing the Celebration of Innovation Symposium, Carleton University's Associate Vice-President (Research) Dr. Mark Forbes said, "We are thrilled to be part of this prestigious and notable event. Carleton University greatly values innovation and discovery, and hosting the Manning Celebration of Innovation Symposium is a natural fit for us."

Well-known innovators will be speaking at the Symposium's panel discussions. They include:

• Gilles Patry, President & CEO, Canadian Foundation for Innovation
• Steve West, CEO Nordion Inc.
• Dr. Chad Gaffield, President, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
• Dr. Tessa Hebb, Director, 3Ci (Carleton Centre for Community Innovation) and 2012 Manning Award nominee
• Tracey Clark, Board of Advisors, Hub Ottawa, Managing Director, Bridgehead Coffeehouses and Roastery
• Dr. Rena Bivens, Pauline Jewett Institute of Women's and Gender Studies
• Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation 2012 Encana Principal Award recipient
• Presentations by 2012 young Canadian Award winners

Dr. Roseann O'Reilly Runte, President & Vice-Chancellor, Carleton University will give opening remarks.

A limited number of tickets and table sponsorships are available for the Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation Gala on Wed. Oct. 17. Check on line www.manningawards.ca  or call (403) 930-4333.

Tickets for the Celebration of Innovation Symposium are free but registration is required. To register go to www.manningsymposiumottawa.eventbrite.com  More information about the symposium and speakers is available at www.carleton.ca/research/manningsymposium.

A dedicated group of well-known Ottawa leaders is helping the Foundation organize the gala and the symposium.

Since it was established in 1980, close to 250 Canadians have received Manning Awards and over 2,500 Canadians have been honoured by being nominated.

In 1992, the Foundation established the Young Canadian Program which recognizes eight innovative projects selected by a team of judges at the annual Canada-Wide Science Fair.

More info www.manningawards.ca. Follow Manning Awards on Twitter @ManningAwardsCA

SOURCE: Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation