Superclusters: time for all the players to step up
This government is investing heavily in the idea of superclusters, and it might be just what is needed to turn Canada into the innovation nation it strives to be. By challenging industry to make meaningful, tangible investments in innovation, the $950-million of federal funds put towards this initiative stands to make a real and lasting […]
Innovation agenda about creating good-paying jobs, says Bains
For Navdeep Bains, the goal is simple. Whether it’s superclusters, skills upgrading, or university research, the minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development says the Trudeau government’s innovation-steered investments are being trotted out to accomplish one immensely important task—to create jobs, and good-paying, middle-class supporting jobs, at that. And while that may be easier said […]
Research and Innovation: 06-05-2017
Where will the future of jobs come from?
TORONTO—One of the greatest uncertainties facing our economy is the future of work. Where will the future jobs come from? What kind of jobs will they be? Will future job trends lead to greater or less inequality? How do we prepare today’s school children when we don’t even know what kind of jobs there will […]
Fundamental science, innovation don’t need to be seen in opposition
In current policy discussions, fundamental science and innovation are often placed in opposition to one another. Is it possible to resolve this apparent conflict, and to optimize the value of government research investment, by strengthening the continuum from basic research to innovation? The question arises, in part, from the excellent recommendations of the recently released […]
Senate studying role of robotics in health care
Robotics have a growing and essential role in the health-care systems in Canada and a Senate study into the issue is hoping to shed light on where the technology can best help Canadians. The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology is studying into the role of robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence […]
Canada remains without a universal pharmacare program
Canadians are proud of our universal health care, and rightfully so. But many would be surprised to hear that of the countries with universal health care, Canada remains the only one without a universal pharmacare program. This is to our detriment. Canadians pay some of the highest drug prices in the world, and many simply […]
MPs alarmed by Radio-Canada/CBC report on cellphone spying around the Hill
The revelation that someone may be using a device to track and spy on cellphones around Parliament Hill, and the subsequent RCMP and CSIS investigations it prompted, was the result of shrewd sleuthing by Radio-Canada investigative reporter Brigitte Bureau who, with CBC News colleague Catherine Cullen, broke the story last week. But it has created […]
Pakistani icon for female education to address House this week
Malala Yousafzai, who captured the world’s respect by fighting for the rights of girls to be educated, getting shot, and then continuing the fight, will address a joint session of Parliament in the House of Commons on Wednesday, April 12. At 19, she will become the youngest person ever to address Canadian Parliament. Ms. Yousafzai […]
Government needs to deal with technology’s effect on future job market
TORONTO—Will robots and artificial intelligence take our jobs? One of the greatest uncertainties as we face the future is what kind of jobs, if any, will many of us have as technology continues to take over many tasks that once only humans could do. Investment superstar Warren Buffet has even suggested we tax robots and […]
