Feds need to tap into global innovation opportunities
Although the federal government is doing a good job at investing in research and development, Canada is still in the bottom half of OECD countries when it comes to innovation and both businesses and governments should be looking at different ways to tap into global innovation opportunities, say experts. “I think the first thing that […]
Canada needs a branding makeover in global, knowledge-based economy
Many would agree that the beaver, a traditional national branding symbol, just doesn’t quite cut it in a rapidly-changing, highly-mobile, knowledge-based economy. Don’t get me wrong, beavers are cute, if you like water rodents. The mascot of our five-cent coin, the beaver symbolizes the amiable industriousness often associated with Canada. Advertising professionals will tell you […]
Time to tackle Canada’s productivity challenge
The global economy is experiencing the biggest downturn since the Great Depression, and according to the IMF, this is the first time in 60 years that it will shrink. The federal government reacted swiftly by implementing Canada’s Economic Action Plan, providing $40-billion over two years in stimulus. When combined with provincial funds, the total stimulus […]
Key to robust innovation lies in effective matchmaking between scientists and stakeholders
WATERLOO, ONT.—When budgets are tightened in industry and government, research laboratories are traditionally the first to feel the effects. I believe that knowledge transfer between research and its beneficiaries, advocates, and stakeholders is essential to protect project development and stimulate innovation at a time when it is most needed. But efficient knowledge transfer and uptake […]
Canada needs a scientific advisory board to Parliament to help formulate science policy
WATERLOO—Who speaks for science? The naive answer to the question would be “scientists.” Don’t psychologists speak for psychology? Don’t chemists speak for chemistry? Don’t physicists speak for physics? Well, yes—but which physicists? Speaking to whom? About which subjects? Answering what questions? Proposing what policies? These fundamental questions make it clear that finding the right spokespersons […]
Reconceptualize science to reduce violence in our world
TORONTO—Albert Einstein used to say that “science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.” We can also add that: “Science without democracy is arbitrary, as democracy without science is ignorant.” The interface between democracy and science has always been a complex and problematic one, which, to be properly understood, must be situated in […]
Goodyear says feds’ top priority is economy, boosting innovation
The federal government is trying to stop Canada’s innovation decline through its science and technology strategy and by investing more than $5-billion in new S&T initiatives, says Science and Technology Minister of State Gary Goodyear (Cambridge, Ont.) in an email interview with The Hill Times for this week’s “Innovation Policy Briefing.” You were at the […]
Establish Canada as hub for next wave of knowledge industries and make it a national priority
VANCOUVER, B.C.—If you want to get into the mining business, you need an ore body. If you’re going into the oil business, you need oil. And if you’re a nation looking to build a knowledge economy, you need knowledge workers—and plenty of them. Therein lies the conundrum facing our governments as they seek to transform […]
Promoting, not defending supply management
Recently I shocked a group of farmers by telling them: “I’m tired of defending supply management!” As a Member of Parliament often known as “the chicken farmer,” I caused a stir in the room until I quickly added: “No, I want to promote supply management.” Supply management has been under attack in international trade negotiations. […]
Rookie Agriculture Minister Speller suspects Canada-U.S. border to open ‘very soon’ to transporting live cattle
Agriculture Minister Bob Speller, who went to Washington, D.C., with the Prime Minister and other Cabinet ministers to meet with U.S. President George W. Bush, told The Hill Times that he believes the Canada-U.S. border will be opened up to transporting live cattle “very soon” and likely before the summer. “Well, the comment period just […]
