Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport names Brian Chu new Chair of the Ontario Science Centre

TORONTO, Jan. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - Brian Chu, a leader in real estate law with a distinguished record of community service, has been appointed as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Ontario Science Centre effective December 21, 2012, Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, announced today.

"As a member of the Board of Trustees since 2008, Mr. Chu has contributed dynamically to the development and implementation of the Centre's new Strategic Plan," said Minister Chan. "Mr. Chu has been an outstanding member of the board, sharing his energy, depth of knowledge, and sound judgment. I am confident that he will pursue a visionary path as Chair."

A Founding Partner of the law firm Bogart Robertson & Chu, Brian Chu is a specialist in commercial real estate law. A graduate of the University of Toronto, he has been a member of the Ontario Bar Association since 1983 and was a partner with law firm Shibley Righton prior to founding Bogart Robertson & Chu in 1991. Chu's commitment to community and education has been demonstrated on such boards as the Laidlaw Foundation, Toronto Hydro Corporation, Centennial College, The Ontario College of Art and Design, and the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, where he is currently Chair of the Board of Governors. Chu replaces Ontario Science Centre outgoing Chair Mark Cohon, with whom he has served as Vice Chair since 2011.

"I am honoured to become the new chair at such a vital time in the Ontario Science Centre's evolution," said Mr. Chu.  "We are forging ahead with our Strategic Plan to ensure the Centre's continued leading edge role in the 21^st century and engaging families with children, students and adults of all ages to understand and recognize the limitless potential of science and human understanding to create a better future for the planet."

Ontario Science Centre CEO Lesley Lewis added, "As past Chair, Mark Cohon built a Board that has been publicly recognized as a leader in reflecting the diversity of Toronto, and spearheaded the launch of the LG Innovators' Ball that raised over $2 million (net) in six years in support of our community access programs. We are grateful for his dedication."

"I welcome Brian Chu's appointment. As a Board member and Vice Chair Brian has provided wise counsel and been an enthusiastic participant in the Centre's activities for over four years, Ms. Lewis said. "Brian's depth of experience in volunteer board leadership and commitment to our vision and purpose will be a tremendous asset to the Ontario Science Centre as we move forward."

About the Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre delights, informs and challenges the communities we serve, enriching people's lives and understanding through engagement with science of local, national and global relevance. Since 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has welcomed over 46 million visitors, with an interactive approach that was the model for Science Centres around the world. It is the public centre for innovative thinking and provocative dialogue in science and technology, aiming to inspire a lifelong journey of curiosity, discovery and action to create a better future for the planet. The Ontario Science Centre is an agency of the Government of Ontario. Please visit us at Ontariosciencecentre.ca. Facebook: www.Facebook.com/OntarioScienceCentre.Twitter: @OntScienceCtr. YouTube: www.YouTube.com/user/OntarioScienceCentre.

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SOURCE: Ontario Science Centre

Contacts:

Rob Foote
Minister's Office
[phone]

Anna Relyea
Ontario Science Centre
[phone]

Mark Smith
Communications Branch
[phone]