It’s that time of year, time for perennial debate about celebrating Christmas
Go forth and celebrate Christmas” is the unanimous view of MPs from different parties and different faiths. Whether you see it as a religious or cultural celebration, it is the celebration of the majority of Canadians and there is no need to be apologetic about it. And besides many non-Christians enjoy Christmas just as much. […]
A more innovative economy would deliver more good jobs
TORONTO—When the Liberal Party held its thinkers’ conference in Montreal in March, the most important message they heard came from David Dodge, the former Governor of the Bank of Canada. Canadians, he warned, faced a declining standard of living unless Canada improved its “miserable” productivity performance, driven by innovation. A more innovative economy, Dodge said, […]
Clement’s top priority in aerospace: long-term competitiveness
THE GOAL: Canada must work in partnership to adapt quickly and exploit its strengths to ensure that Canadian aerospace companies continue to be the suppliers of choice on future major aircraft programs. THE CHALLENGE: The changing nature of the global aerospace value chain is a challenge for both government and industry. The global original equipment […]
Feds should boost R&D investment, tax incentives, to keep Canada’s aerospace industry globally competitive
About 100 Canadian aerospace workers waved placards and blew whistles outside a Montreal hotel on Aug. 26. Inside, the Mexican government was sponsoring a trade show to entice companies to set up shop in its country. It’s a sign of what’s wrong with the Canadian industry, said David Chartrand, a protest organizer with the International […]
Quebec only real aerospace centre in Canada entitled to its fair share
Military material is a crucial market for the aerospace industry, involving, as it does, new equipment that will have considerable technological spin-offs. Because military purchases are exempted from trade agreements, the government may procure its equipment where it sees fit and on the terms it chooses, to maximize spin-offs to the industry. Depending on the […]
Canada’s aerospace sector currently suffers from government neglect
Canada’s aerospace industry is composed of more than 400 companies located from Newfoundland to British Columbia. The industry generates upwards of $23-billion in annual revenues and is Canada’s leading exporter of advanced technologies, exporting more than 82 per cent of its output. Canadian aerospace firms offer a wide range of products—including aircraft parts, avionics, electronic […]
Canada must adjust to U.S. space policy changes, say opposition MPs
After the Americans launched their space shuttle program more than 30 years ago, Canada lent a hand, or rather a robotic arm, the Canadarm, which continues to be a source of Canadian pride. When the International Space Station was formed, Canadian authorities again pushed to contribute made-in-Canada robotic systems. “Others wanted to do those kind […]
PM Harper touts economic benefits of planned purchase of new F-35 fighter jets
The following is a speech delivered by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Oct. 7 when he visited Bristol Aerospace Ltd., in Winnipeg, Man. The speech was edited for style and length. W INNIPEG, MAN.— I must tell you, as a Canadian, it makes me proud to see what you can make here, satellites, rockets. And, […]
Johnston’s call for a smart nation timely
OTTAWA—If nothing else he is clear and has a vision. “I see my role as a bridge in bringing people of all backgrounds and ages together to create a smart and caring nation,” said David Johnston in his recent installation speech as Canada’s new Governor General. You can take the boy out of Waterloo but […]
Clement says biggest challenge is boosting Canada’s performance in business innovation
Industry Minister Tony Clement says Canada leads in many technological and innovative areas and the government is helping to create opportunities for the business and research communities, but also acknowledges the feds have to do more, especially since the Conference Board of Canada has given Canada a ‘D’ grade for its innovation environment since the […]
