Honorary Patron
Roberta L. Bondar
OC, O.Ont, MD, PhD, FRCP, FRSC

The International Year of Planet Earth 2008 provides an unparalleled opportunity to publicize and celebrate the contributions made by the Earth Sciences and Earth scientists to our society on a global scale. In conjunction with the Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences, IUGS, UNESCO, and more than 70 countries worldwide, Canada will be a major participant in the International Year of Planet Earth. We plan to speak to Canadians regarding the major roles that the Earth Sciences have played and will play in the past and future development of our nation.

In the world of Earth Sciences, Canada is unique. We are endowed with major petroleum, coal, metal, mineral, and water resources. Resource extraction accounts for the largest component of our national GDP, representing one of the highest ratios among the industrialized nations. At the same time, we are strong and committed environmental stewards. Canada's Earth scientists explore and develop responsibly and we conduct leading edge research on geohazards, climate change, evolution, and other important Earth issues.

For aditional information, please contact us at info@iypecanada.org.