Latest Edition of Canadian IPY Newsletter

The Canadian IPY Secretariat recently released a hard copy of the Canadian IPY News that provides an update on the progress of the Canadian IPY program at the midway mark of IPY 2007-2008. An electronic copy is available from our website on contact us if you would like to receive a paper copy.

People at the Poles' Polar Day: Sept 24, 2008

On September 24th the international IPY community will celebrate the human dimensions of IPY. This is the first IPY to include the human health, social, political, and economic aspects of the polar regions and to fully engage polar communities in research development, implementation and dissemination.

Canada is leading the organization and development of the September Polar Day activities.

There are numerous ways you can get involved:

educational activity that will build stronger relationships with our ‘neighbours’ by connecting Arctic and non-Arctic schools in an exchange of ideas and experiences about where they live, what issues affect their everyday lives (socio-economic, health, environment, etc.) and the vision they have for their communities.
live radio events in three time zones featuring discussions of health, social, and economic research projects as well as highlights the cultural strengths in the polar regions
Sharing media stories with regional or national journalists
Organizing your own regional Polar Day activities around the People IPY theme

For more information please visit the International Polar Day section of the International Program Office website. Also, if you have any questions about how to get involved in 'People' Polar Day feel free to contact Karen Edwards (karen.edwards@ualberta.ca) or Krisit Skebo (skebo@ualberta.ca).

Beacons of the North - Research Infrastructure in Canada's Arctic and Subarctic

On 26 June 2008, the Canadian Polar Commission released the report Beacons of the North - Research Infrastructure in Canada's Arctic and Subarctic which presents a 25-year plan for research infrastructure – terrestrial and marine -- that covers renewal, operation, construction, replacement, and decommissioning. Its recommendations will help the Government plan its new arctic research station. It’s also an essential building block for constructing a national polar science policy.

IPY Legacy

The Canadian National Committee is currently undertaking discussions of the legacy of the Canadian IPY program by identifying key national components, networks and programs and the possible organizations and institutions that may be able to incorporate these aspects into their exisiting programs. If you have observations or comments on the legacy of the Canadian IPY program please feel free to pass those comments along to the Canadian IPY Secretariat at ipy@ualberta.ca.