New ‘skinny’ TV packages provide jump-start to competition
Canadians appear to have become so accustomed to an uncompetitive cable and satellite market typified by frequent price increases and restrictive options that many are failing to recognize the arrival of greater consumer choice. Last week’s launch of the new $25 basic “skinny” cable packages, mandated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, left many […]
Canada’s biotechnology industry ready to take centre stage
With the Canadian dollar and the price of oil hitting historical lows it is not surprising that while at the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was asked about Canada’s economic prospects in the face of this economic headwind. Trudeau quite correctly noted Canada’s economic strength lies in its diversity which […]
Feds need to close gaps governing human participation in scientific research
The disturbing announcement recently that a man died and four others were seriously harmed in Rennes, France, as a result of participation in a research study is a timely reminder of the importance of protecting those who volunteer to be subjects of research. The drug being tested was thought to show promise in treating a […]
Standard of living, quality of life rely on innovation, innovation relies on engineering design
Global quality of life has advanced since the industrial revolution—this advancement is the result of continuous innovation. World population growth, diminishing non-renewable resources, social inequity, and escalating environmental challenges all require global scale innovations or our collective quality of life will not be sustained. Collective global innovation has never been more critical. Canadians have contributed […]
City councils strike back in broadband battle
OTTAWA—The Canadian battle over broadband services has taken an unexpected turn in recent weeks as Bell’s effort to win high-profile support for its appeal of a crucial ruling issued by Canada’s telecom regulator appears to have backfired. After support from Toronto Mayor John Tory and Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson for the telecom giant came to […]
It’s time to reconcile infrastructure, because it’s 2016
The federal Liberals’ commitment to increase infrastructure investment to $125-billion over the next decade could transform Canada for the better. Realizing the program’s full transformative potential, however, requires as much focus on how funding is spent, as on what is spent. Above all, the new program should support and reward municipalities with modern, structured, and […]
We can’t afford to put off e-prescribing
Like many other Canadians, I was proud to learn Canada was named second best country in the world in which to live at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last month. Our high standard of living, our celebration of diversity, and our position as a high-tech industrial society are just a few of the […]
The long game starts now
There’s a reset happening in Canada. Despite the oil slump and struggling loonie, a new federal government in Ottawa has spurred some fresh thinking about the future of Canada. Optimistic, hopeful thinking. That combination of harsh reality and hopeful thinking requires us to be both ambitious and manage our expectations as we look for ways […]
Critics look forward to budget for details on Liberal innovation plan
Canada needs a wide-spanning and visionary plan for innovation in the near future that involves more than just government grants and tax incentives, innovation critics told The Hill Times. So far, the Liberals have not elaborated on their innovation plans much past what they announced during the election campaign, which was to spend $200-million a […]
The cause for fairer science, because it’s 2016
OTTAWA—When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made his famous remark—”because it’s 2015″—about gender parity in his newly-appointed Cabinet last year, it attracted a lot of attention at home and abroad. He followed it up with a high-level panel on gender parity at Davos where he promoted women’s rights across the spectrum of society, including science and […]
