Breaking ‘knowledge barrier’: the renewal of human sciences
When the first plane broke the sound barrier in 1947, scientists learned something surprising: the controls didn’t work as expected. Flying at the speed of sound required new understanding, a new approach to aerodynamic design and controls. Failure to adjust to the supersonic speed paradigm would lead to serious trouble, loss of control and potential […]
Social policy in the 21st Century
REGINA-LUMSDEN-LAKE CENTRE, SASK.–Governments must address at least two basic components. One is fiscal and the other is social. The challenge is to balance these two competing components. In this regard, the fiscal responsibilities must not be so conservative as to fail to address the social needs of our families and our communities nor should the […]
Speed up childcare funds, says HRDC Minister Stewart
Human Resources Development Minister Jane Stewart wants to speed up the distribution of the new $935-million federal childcare fund set aside last February in the federal budget. The fund, to be spent over five years to reduce the burden of working parents with young children, has been criticized as being “back-loaded” as only $25-million has […]
Canada’s aging population: Time for a plan of action
SAINT JOHN, N.B.–With a massive demographic shift on our horizon, Canada must immediately prepare our social institutions for the coming of age. Statistics Canada has found that between 1991 and 2001, the number of Canadians aged 65 or older increased by 12 per cent. This trend will increase more rapidly as of 2011, when the […]
Inadequate biotechnology
Canada has one of the world’s strongest biotechnology sectors, but a lot of work and investment is still needed in research and development (R&D) to find markets that are not already developed internationally. The industrial fabric could be strengthened if the provincial and federal governments invested more money in R&D. However, we must not invest […]
Fuelling pipeline of health innovation
Health research is fuelling a culture of innovation. It is the beginning of a pipeline of discovery that ends with Canadians — with their improved health and with the strengthened economic performance that benefits the entire country. One of the many examples of this pipeline can be found right here in Ottawa. Dr. Robert Korneluk, […]
Canadian biotech industry one of the best in world, but fragile
This is an edited excerpt of Paul Martin’s speech he delivered to the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal on Sept. 18. Please read Mr. Martin’s full speech on his website at paulmartintimes.ca By Liberal MP PAUL MARTIN MONTREAL, QUE.–Canada is well-established in two of the most important transformative and enabling technologies: information and communications […]
R&D continues to take a back seat in Canada
Research and development is vital if Canada is serious about making a successful transition to a knowledge-based economy. Decisions made today, or the lack of a decision, will have repercussions well into the middle of this century. While John Manley, when he was industry minister, confirmed that Cabinet had approved in principal the construction of […]
Biosciences will help shape our future: Minister Pagtakhan
The United Nations is projecting that the global population will reach 8.9 billion by 2050, up from 6.3 billion today. When we consider the societal challenges we face now, the global demographic pressures, and, more recently, the threat of bioterrorism, there is cause for concern. How will our world feed so many people, care for […]
Governing Liberals must say no to GM wheat: Proctor
The New Democratic Party, at its 1999 convention, debated the important issues surrounding biotechnology as applied to food production. The resulting party resolution called for a national public discussion on the genetic modification of food. That has never happened, and the Liberal government persists in its uncritical promotion of the biotechnology industry in ways that […]
