Priority setting in the knowledge ecosystem
As the federal government contemplates a considered course on fundamental science and the Council of Canadian Academies reboots another assessment of the state of science, technology, and innovation in Canada, it is worth remembering why we do these exercises. The reasons can be numerous: to improve global prestige, enhance culture, develop excellence, achieve breakthroughs, strengthen […]
Women in STEM is necessary for an innovative and prosperous country
Canada is most prosperous when all Canadians have a fair chance to succeed. These were the words used by Navdeep Bains, minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, during the Canadian government’s announcement of its innovation agenda last Tuesday afternoon in Ottawa. We at Ladies Learning Code could not agree more. Over the last five […]
Nurturing the next BlackBerry
TORONTO—Building a more innovative country, with good jobs, will depend on close collaboration among business, universities and colleges, and government. This is no time for limited or small government any more than it is a time for risk-averse businesses or academia operating in silos. As the old TV commercial used to put it, “together, we […]
National strategy, focus on youth will spark innovation: experts
With a federal government committed to positioning Canada as a global hub for innovation, the “stars are aligned” to establish a national strategy with strong partnerships to meet that goal, Kenneth Knox, chair of federal Science, Technology and Innovation Council, told an audience today at a Hill Times’ panel discussion on “sparking innovation” moderated by veteran […]
Canada needs an ‘Own the Podium’ strategy for clean energy
Last week’s signing of the Paris climate accord marks the start of a new age, with huge implications for Canada. The fossil fuels that power the global economy today are entering a permanent—if slow—decline. Gone are cozy assumptions of endless growth in oil exports. Winners in the high stakes global energy market of the 21st […]
We need Own The Podium for clean tech
TORONTO—Last week’s signing of the Paris climate accord marks the start of a new age, with huge implications for Canada. The fossil fuels that power the global economy today are entering a permanent (if slow) decline. Gone are cozy assumptions of endless growth in oil exports. Winners in the high-stakes global energy market of the […]
Energy, tech sectors dominate list lobbying Prime Minister Trudeau
Organizations from the energy and technology sectors account for more than one-third of the lobbyists that have made contact with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau since he took power, according to the federal lobbyists registry. Communications reports on the registry, as of last week, showed Mr. Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) has had contact with 28 different lobbying […]
Canada should reassert itself as a global leader in food security: Experts
It’s a ‘timely time’ to talk about food security; tomorrow is Earth Day and world leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, will be gathering at the United Nations to formally sign the Paris climate agreement. And considering that climate change and the resulting weather unpredictability is a major contributing factor to insufficient food supplies, and […]
Canada’s Big Challenges: Morneau’s got bold rhetoric on an innovation agenda, but can he deliver?
In his first budget speech, Finance Minister Bill Morneau promised that within the next year the government will deliver its innovation agenda—“a new vision for Canada’s economy as a centre of global innovation, renowned for its science, technology, resourceful citizens and globally competitive companies.” This, he said, will set out “our plans for real change.” […]
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 […]
