Procurement policy could boost startups: researchers
The federal government, along with provinces and municipalities, could use its purchasing abilities to help innovative companies succeed early and grow, according to several industry analysts. “The government has several roles to play in helping made-in-Canada companies grow,” said Alan Bernstein, the president and CEO of Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. “One is procurement, or […]
Liberals missing the mark on innovation for tomorrow
Innovation is crucial for keeping our economy vibrant, and is key to maintaining Canada’s competitive stance on the world stage. It’s important for any government to recognize this, and for it to help foster an environment for innovation to grow. If our companies can’t afford to create new jobs and hire workers with new innovative ideas, […]
Innovation
Trump aside, Canada should reject trade deals that put drugs out of reach
Donald Trump has withdrawn the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and declared his intention to renegotiate NAFTA. But as some try to revive the TPP, and trade talks between Ottawa and Washington heat up, Canada should walk away from any deal that perpetuates inadequate, inequitable access to life-saving medicines, here or globally. NAFTA’s […]
Fourth agricultural revolution can be a Canadian strength
TORONTO—U.S. President Donald Trump’s demagogic America First crusade makes the Trudeau government’s promised innovation strategy all the more important. Canada will need to develop new and more competitive products and services to meet diversified markets around the world. To deliver results, the promised innovation strategy should build on where we have demonstrated strengths and significant […]
Preparing young Canadians for the jobs of tomorrow
Last summer, I sat down with 12 young entrepreneurs and innovators. They were game designers, data scientists, and YouTube stars. These jobs either didn’t exist, or were relatively new when I was their age less than a generation ago. We talked about ways for more young Canadians to develop digital skills, especially in a rapidly […]
Tackling the digital skills gap: youth without jobs, employers without workers
Canadian youth use sophisticated technology in many aspect of their lives, but are failing to gain the skills to develop that technology themselves, something employers are seeking. This contributes to an unemployment rate for young people that’s almost double the national average. The digital skills gap is a growing problem for which experts are united […]
Tax hikes hobble young people’s job prospects
Canada’s youth are facing an employment crisis. In December there were 40,000 fewer youth jobs than the year before. That’s a three per cent decrease! Most worrisome is that youth have been relegated by the finance minister to a career of insecure part-time and contract work, unable to make a proper life for themselves because […]
The other half of preparing for a Trump era
CALGARY—As much as trade-dependent Canada suffers when the United States shoots itself in the foot, there are still often gains to be had. This is shaping up to be likely with the incoming Trump administration. Anticipating and preparing to seize these opportunities is the other, often overlooked, half of the work that is needed by the private sector, federal and provincial governments to prepare for the incoming […]
Youth Issues
