MEDIA RELEASE June 21, 1999

OTTAWA, Ontario -- With support from the Imperial Oil Charitable Foundation, the Canadian Mathematical Society (CMS) is launching a new program of Math Camps for students.

Twenty two students from across Canada have been invited to the Esso National Math Camp at the University of Waterloo (June 19 to 25). The Esso National Math Camp is designed primarily for Canadian students with at least two years remaining in high school and with the potential to compete at the mathematical olympiad level.

"The Esso National Math Camp will help students come together, have fun doing some mathematics beyond the school curricula and help them to increase their problem solving skills" said Dr. Graham Wright, Executive Director of the Canadian Mathematical Society. "The National Camp will also help the CMS to identify those students with the potential to compete against the best in the world and also make sure the students get the crucial training, knowledge and experience".

In 1999, Esso Regional Math Camps will take place at the University of Calgary (July 17-23), the University of Western Ontario (August 10-12) and, this fall, the University of Dalhousie will run a series of weekend camps. Each Regional Math Camp will involve local university and school teachers and provide students, primarily in grades 8 through 10, with an opportunity for some mathematics enrichment in a recreational environment.

"We are proud to support the Esso Math Camps as they provide an opportunity for Canadian students to explore the many uses of mathematics in today's society. In addition, these camps help students to pursue careers in high-technology, science and business" said Ms. Barbara Hejduk, President of the Imperial Oil Charitable Foundation.

UNESCO has declared 2000 as the World Mathematical Year (WMY). The Canadian Mathematical Society (CMS) is sponsoring a number of special activities for WMY 2000 to promote the public awareness of mathematics, the many achievements in mathematics and its impact on society. As part of WMY 2000, Esso Math Camps are planned for St. John's, Halifax, Fredericton, Montreal, Ottawa, Waterloo, London, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary and Vancouver.

Dr. Graham P. Wright
Executive Director
Canadian Mathematical Society
(613) 562-5702
director@cms.math.ca

or

Ms Barbara Hejduk
President
Imperial Oil Charitable Foundation
Tel: (416) 968-4911