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 […]
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 […]
Ottawa must respect Quebec’s differences in agriculture
This is a difficult period for agriculture. The mad cow crisis in Alberta is just the latest in a series of blows that have led to a steady drop in farmers’ incomes. The Farm Product Price Index (FPPI) is lower today than it was eight years ago, while production costs continue to rise. When Paul […]
Bio-security protocol breached by humans in avian flu crisis, according to chief veterinarian of CFIA, says NDP’s Proctor
In politics, it’s good to be lucky and lucky to be good. Recently-minted Agriculture Minister Bob Speller has enjoyed some of each. Although the second case of mad cow disease last December was devastating for cattle farmers the timing for the minister — nine days after being sworn into Cabinet — could not have been […]
Agriculture in Canada needs a framework for prosperity
It has been said the road to hell is paved with good intentions and though the Liberal government hasn’t paid much attention to paving roads lately, the destination they have in mind for rural Canadians seems to be the same. Struggling with an endless stream of misdirected regulations, excessive taxes and costs, and curious forms […]
‘We will help ensure environmentally friendly, energy efficient, innovative and economically stimulating development’: Scott
History has proven that a country’s ability to innovate directly affects its economic success. Innovation makes businesses more competitive, provides consumers with choices, and provides individuals with new learning opportunities, higher incomes and better jobs. Another cornerstone to our success is our communities — their people, their public infrastructure, housing and land use. Communities are […]
A national science adviser for Canada
Like many of my colleagues in government and university circles, I have often felt over the years that Canada would be well-served by the appointment of a national science adviser who would not only articulate the perspective of science within the Canadian government, but also advance Canadian S&T interests internationally. Such positions have long existed […]
‘Commercialization gap’ will require more dollars: Fontana
The Paul Martin government is working on possibly creating a new source of funding or seed money to help Canadian businesses better market their research ideas, says the Prime Minister’s new Parliamentary secretary on science and small business. Liberal MP Joe Fontana (London North Centre, Ont.) says it’s his new job to create […]
