Minister of Economic Development and Innovation Presents ORION Leadership Awards

Inaugural THINK Conference Paves the Way to Ontario's Innovation Future

TORONTO, April 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Brad Duguid, Ontario's Minister of Economic Development and Innovation, presented ORION Leadership awards to high school student Marshall Zhang, John Helliker of Sheridan College and University of Toronto professor Dr. Shana Kelley.  The ORION Leadership Awards recognize innovation leadership in Ontario's e-Infrastructure, Higher Education and K-12 Education sectors.  This presentation was part of ORION's inaugural THINK Conference.

"It was an honour for me to recognize these outstanding individuals who are paving the way towards Ontario's innovative future," said Duguid. "ORION is making it easier for researchers and innovators to connect, share knowledge, and learn from each other, and that's helping us build a stronger, more prosperous province for all Ontarians."

ORION (Ontario Research and Innovation Optical Network) is a non-profit agency that has developed and operates Ontario's first advanced technology fibre optic network.  ORION connects Ontario's research, education and innovation sectors, providing a platform for collaboration and innovation.

"Today's inaugural THINK Conference is designed to bring our partners together in a collaborative, integrated way," said Darin Graham, President and CEO of ORION.  "By sharing best practices and seeking out partnership opportunities, the THINK Conference is helping to forge a stronger Ontario for tomorrow."

In addition to the 2012 ORION Leadership Awards presentation, the THINK Conference featured presentations by several Ontario Thought Leaders who challenged their peers to embrace innovation.

Speakers and facilitators included:

• Dominic Giroux, President of Laurentian University
• David Ticoll, IT and Business Strategy Visionary
• Gerry Connelly, Co-Director of the Sustainable Education Academy (York University)
• Daniela Crivianu-Gaita, VP  and CIO of The Hospital for Sick Children
• Ilse Treurnicht, CEO of MaRS Discovery District
• Dr. Harvey P. Weingarten, President and CEO of The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario

Image with caption: "Minister of Economic Development and Innovation presents Marshall Zhang with 2012 ORION Leadership Award (CNW Group/Ontario Research and Innovation Optical Network (ORION))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120416_C6011_PHOTO_EN_12345.jpg

For further information:

Media Enquiries:
Edward Nixon, EN Consulting
416-605-6311
[email protected]

Interview Requests:
Sabrina Kandasamy, ORION
Director, Interactive Marketing
416.507.9860 ext. 250
[email protected]