Legal status of patented genes in Canada remains unclear, though recent settlement should defuse tension, say experts
A landmark settlement reached earlier this year over diagnostic testing is being lauded as a potential solution to the ethical and legal quagmire presented by genes patented by private companies. Work is currently underway to help develop a framework for provincial governments, on behalf of their publicly-operated hospitals, to appeal for legal use of patented genetic material […]
CSI poultry: lobbyists win rare summer committee meeting on illicit chicken imports, dairy
It looks like Canada’s dairy and chicken farmers will have to sit tight over the summer as losses from American imports continue to pile up. Lobbyists for those industries, which form the backbone of Canada’s supply-managed agriculture sector, have caught the attention of MPs and the Canadian press over a pair of seemingly obscure regulatory […]
The challenge: globalization that works for all
A dark cloud is threatening the world’s economy. This is the backlash to globalization, and the great dangers a retreat from globalization would pose for an increasingly crowded planet and its ability to cope with increasingly complex problems, such as global growth and employment, climate change, global financial stability, migration, and terrorism. These problems cannot […]
Innovation: A step in the right direction, with another one to come
On June 24, an important element toward the goal of fostering innovation in Canada will come into force. New provisions in the Patent Act and Trade-marks Act will protect confidential communications between clients and their patent and trademark agents made for the purpose of seeking or giving advice with respect to any matter relating to […]
North American Leaders’ Summit
Without cities, we won’t have an innovative Canada
TORONTO—Cities are taking greater charge of their futures—in fact, they don’t have a choice if they want to prosper in a global economy. What we see in the Communitech centre in Kitchener, at Ryerson University’s Digital Media Zone in Toronto, or in the crowded incubator space at Invest Ottawa, are start-up cities. But they are […]
Foreign multinationals investing in Canada to become an innovation nation
TORONTO—With free trade, foreign multinationals are no longer here to get around high tariff walls. Instead, they are here as part of their global innovation strategies, making them significant players in Canadian efforts to become an innovation nation. Here’s why. Canada has a reputation for high-quality university and college graduates, especially in science and engineering. […]
Bernier’s frank talk on supply management starts Tory leadership race on right foot
TORONTO—During my previous political job, I had the opportunity to talk and privately meet many people in Ottawa, including then ministers of the former government of Stephen Harper. I learned a lot during those meetings and I had a chance to know good people and politicians. One of those who impressed me the most was […]
Trade deals, infrastructure, national climate framework key for B.C. business
Canada is a small, open economy that depends on trade for much of its prosperity. Given our modest population, geographic location, and vast landmass, we must work collaboratively, innovate, and be more competitive for capital and talent if we hope to maintain a thriving national economy in the future. With collaboration and the future in […]
Nurturing the next BlackBerry
TORONTO—Building a more innovative country, with good jobs, will depend on close collaboration among business, universities and colleges, and government. This is no time for limited or small government any more than it is a time for risk-averse businesses or academia operating in silos. As the old TV commercial used to put it, “together, we […]
