Duncan dishes on unmuzzling scientists, diversity around the research table, and data security
Coming off a so-called “science budget” that infused $4-billion into Canada’s science and research community and $2.8-billion to renew federal science labs, you could say it’s been a pretty good start to 2018 for Science Minister Kirsty Duncan. Federal departments will have a model policy on science integrity by the end of the year in […]
Artificial intelligence in health care: delivering on the potential
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the science of building and programming a machine that can imitate human cognition. Dramatic advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence are projected to generate trillions of dollars in economic growth globally in the next decade. While these technologies show incredible promise to improve patient care, we must consider our health system’s […]
Broadband internet is cornerstone of Canadian industry, economy, technology and education
As chair for the House Industry, Science and Technology Committee (INDU), I have had the chance to meet and hear from many promising and determined entrepreneurs, who inspire my own excitement for Canada’s innovative future. Despite their ambition and many successes, firms continue to face a critical gap in Canada’s current innovation scheme that limits […]
Delighted with 2018 budget, scientists eye funding for ‘open’ grant competitions as next step
The 2018 federal budget gave new hope to Canadian scientists, but they knew their job as advocates wasn’t done. “We were definitely pleased with the results. There was a lot of money there for science,” said Katie Gibbs, executive director of research advocacy group Evidence for Democracy. “But we are all realistic that there is still […]
Robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence will improve lives of people with disabilities
Robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence will both revolutionize several sector of activities and improve considerably the lives of Canadians, especially people with disabilities. In a report released in October 2017, the Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology highlighted the potential benefits, and also challenges, of integrating these technologies into the health-care system. […]
Research, innovation sparking health-care revolution
Canada spends about $228-billion each year on health care, but the system still can’t keep up with demand. Despite the undeniable dedication, skill and hard work that physicians, surgeons, nurses and administrators put in, the fact remains that demand for health care is gradually exceeding supply. It’s time for a technological revolution—and we have the […]
Do the robot: public servants unplug from typical telecommute
Employment and Social Development Canada policy analyst Pierre-Olivier DesMarchais is tall—six-foot-three, to be exact—but when most of his colleagues see him, he’s only about four-foot-five—and a robot. Mr. DesMarchais lives in Montreal, but his physical presence in Ottawa is that of an iPad attached to two Segway-style wheels via a vertical stick, which he uses to telecommute […]
It’s time to unleash the power of artificial intelligence
Computers are becoming more powerful, faster, and intelligent every day. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction of Hal, the computer that took over an entire spaceship in the sci-fi movie, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Although fiction in 1968, Siri, Cortona, and Alexa and many nifty new smart gadgets are now reality and […]
Amid tech’s dark days, wisdom from a mayor
Amid the considerable coverage churn of the Cambridge Analytica scandal and the resulting widespread neurosis over what people have told shadowy Facebook quizzers about their pizza preferences and incriminating spirit animals, it’s worth noting that an excellent speech was delivered last week on this very subject. At South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, London Mayor […]
Green Economy
