Bernard Hodson

Mathematics had a big hand in the development of computers, but during the early days of computing it was the latter that helped drive the former, leading to some very odd but useful applications in Canada - particularly in the oil and gas sector.

The 1950s saw the first appearance of generally available computers, which led governments at all levels to begin exploring their possible use.

It has been nearly 44 years since several Western Canadian computer professionals first got together and formed a society to discuss growing activity in IT - the Calgary Computer and Data Processing Society.

Canada's oil industry, besides driving economic growth, also pioneered the development of database technology.

In the early 1950s two U.K. subsidiaries conducted some groundbreaking aerospace and IT work in Malton, Ont., just outside Toronto: Avro Aircraft, which designed planes, and Orenda Engines.