Updated science strategy expands Harper government’s focus on innovation
In an increasingly competitive and ever-changing world, our government knows that science policy needs to be both flexible and forward-looking. Our original Science and Technology Strategy, released in 2007, helped guide the government through significant investments across the board. Even during the global economic recession, Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s commitment to funding Canadian science […]
Government could be more active in mining innovation, industry says
While some in the mining sector believe Canadian governments are lacking an innovative approach to mineral extraction, others say it is just an extremely profitable industry looking for government handouts and more effort should be paid to refining materials in the country while innovating in material reuse. In an interview with Northern Life, a Sudbury, […]
Changes to patent filing system aim to make Canada more attractive for applicants
Recent changes to the Canadian patent application system are aimed, in part, at making Canada a more appealing country to file for intellectual protection of innovators’ ideas, according to Industry Canada. The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has brought in amendments to the Canadian Patent Act to bring the country’s intellectual property system in line […]
Trade secrets get in way of innovation when it comes to clean tech
Competition can be an impediment to innovation in the cleantech sector when large companies are reluctant to share their challenges with smaller innovators, industry players say. Kirk Andries, managing director of the Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation (CCEMC), an Alberta funding agency that receives money from corporations in the province that are unable to […]
Unique magnetic research lab at risk of closing next year
A unique scientific facility housing the most powerful magnet in the country has received a lifeline to survive for another year. But the centre, which allows for research into magnetic resonance spectroscopy, is expected to close after that, which would be a big blow to those who use the one-of-a-kind facility. The Canadian National Ultrahigh-Field NMR […]
More investment in commercialization needed to protect innovation gains, experts say
Some people working in Canada’s science and technology sector say the government needs to invest in innovation from ideas to commercialization, and to protect the country’s past investments in innovation before they are lost. With a lack of investment in innovation from idea to commercial product, several experts say Canada will lose intelligence, talent, and […]
Health
Community-based health research key to preventing diseases caused by environmental degradation
Canada needs far more research on preventing human diseases caused by environmental degradation. This research must be more community-based. This will lead to preventive measures better adapted to the affected communities. Before becoming deputy leader of the Green Party of Canada, I was an environmentalist working in communities where people are coping with cancers and […]
Licensed marijuana producers say regulations like chasing moving goalposts
Medical marijuana producers have adjusted their advertising practices to comply with new Health Canada rules but say the regulation of the new industry is still like chasing a moving target. The companies were forced to remove descriptions of their products that weren’t medically relevant, including details such as the marijuana’s taste and smell to comply […]
We can’t predict Canada’s aging population trajectory without knowing more basic science
A viager is a type of reverse mortgage that is popular in France. In return for the property title, the buyer offers a down payment (the “bouquet”) and guarantees a monthly payment to the seller for the remainder of his or her life. The seller’s risk is low—if the buyer defaults the title reverts to the […]
