Science North to lead at national level

Science North CEO Guy Labine is the new president of the board of directors for the Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC).

CASC is a national organization that was founded in 1985 to create synergy among Canada’s science centres and science-related museums, to assist in finding solutions to the challenges faced by these important public institutions, and to provide a single voice before government. The CASC's mission is to build capacity for its members to inspire a creative and prosperous Canada through science and technology engagement.

Labine was voted in as president during the 2014 CASC conference, held recently in Montreal. Labine has served on the executive of the CASC board for the past two years.

“I am honoured to be chosen by my peers from the many science centres across this country, to lead the Canadian Association of Science Centres,” said Labine.

“Science North has been an active member of the organization since its inception.

“In fact, former Science North CEO Jim Marchbank also served as president, and Science North was the first member science centre to host the annual CASC conference back in 2004.

“I'm excited about this opportunity to lead CASC, and I look forward to working with my science centre colleagues across Canada in order to strengthen the association and achieve CASC's mission and strategic priorities.”

Scott Lund, Science North's chair of the board of trustees, believes this new phase of leadership will continue to support the achievement of CASC's strategic plan.

“The CASC is an important organization for science centres in Canada. Science North is proud of its long-standing involvement with the CASC. I believe Guy Labine, with his strong leadership skills and strategic focus, will make strong contributions to CASC in helping the organization move forward. I congratulate Guy and all members of the CASC Board on their appointments, and Stephanie Deschenes on her new role.”

Science North’s senior manager of marketing, Stephanie Deschenes, will be joining the national organization, on a one-year secondment from Science North, to serve as executive director of CASC.

“I am excited to be taking on this new role and am eager to work with other leaders in science centres across Canada to achieve the strategic priorities of CASC,” said Deschenes. “The priorities, which were reviewed at the recent conference, include initiatives that will provide professional development opportunities and funding programs for CASC members.”