The world is counting on Canada to lead on vaccine production
Pablum. Insulin. Child-resistant medicine containers. Heart-valve replacements. Cystic fibrosis and stem cell research. Discovering T-cell receptors in cancer research. With these medical advances and many more, each time Canada has led the world. We’ve always had the capacity to be an “innovation nation,” led by a world-class education system, abundant talent, and the know-how of […]
Broad support in life sciences innovation vital in preparing for future pandemics, say industry experts
A diverse approach as the federal government invests billions of dollars into the life sciences sector will be critical if Canada is to be prepared for the next health crisis after COVID-19, according to industry and research associations. “We can put all of our money on the mRNA [vaccine] horse, and that could come in […]
Canada needs a responsible quantum innovation policy
Quantum technologies are leading the next technological revolution, and nations are racing against time. Lacking a coherent and comprehensive vision, Canada seems to be finally adding quantum technologies to the top of its innovation policy agenda. But will it be able to learn from others, and from its own pitfalls with artificial intelligence, to take […]
Health security in Canada demands a co-ordinated response
Confronted with an urgent health crisis, the Canadian government turned to science. A rapid mobilization effort not seen since wartime increased the availability of PPE, created important national networks of scientists to inform the pandemic response, and secured vaccine supply. Canada is now expanding biomanufacturing facilities and spurring domestic vaccine development. With the Biomanufacturing and […]
Innovation
Politics This Morning: The House returns, with a soundtrack
Good Monday morning, The virtual hallways of Parliament Hill will be busy today as the House returns from the winter break in a hybrid format. MPs will sit every weekday from now until Friday, Feb. 18. The Hill Times calendar has the exact dates for all 26 weeks of scheduled sitting for 2022. Government House […]
House Finance Committee sets sights on ‘deep-seated,’ serious inflation issues as Conservative MPs press for fiscal restraint
In the face of rising inflation and supply chain shortages across the country, two Conservative MPs on the House committee overseeing budget consultations are proposing lowered fiscal spending in the upcoming federal blueprint, while a Liberal MP cautions ending financial supports for Canadians too soon would be a mistake. A Bloc Québécois MP says the […]
Polytechnics can help fill Canada’s talent gaps
When I ask business leaders what keeps them up at night, it is not only about supply chains, inflation, or rising commodity prices. The No. 1 concern is about talent. How do I fill critical staff vacancies in a tight labour market? Where can I find workers who are digitally literate? How can my employees […]
Ottawa’s 5G policy a stress test for Canada-China relations
As the Trudeau government has sworn in its newest cabinet, a decision on Huawei’s involvement in Canada’s 5G network appears to be the next major policy decision to stress relations with China. Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne hinted as much, stating that an announcement from his department is on the horizon with national security considerations to […]
Protectionism versus proactive policy: no easy fix to supply chain strain, say politicos, experts
While some criticize the government for not doing enough to mitigate the strain, supply chain issues are a much broader issue than simple government inaction, with opposing and multifaceted potential solutions, experts say. The supply chain in Canada, and abroad, has been beset on all sides. The Globe and Mail summed this up, noting labour […]
