"Canada's New Government understands how crucial science and technology is to building a strong economy that provides good jobs and higher living standards to families and workers.
We recognize that all Canadians — not just our scientific, technical, and business communities — have a stake in us getting it right."
Canada as a Science and Technology Leader
In November 2006, the Government of Canada released Advantage Canada, an economic plan to make our country a world leader.
We believe Canada must become a leader in research and development in order to reach this goal. This is why we developed Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage, our new Science and Technology (S&T) Strategy.
The Strategy creates a business environment to encourage the private sector to innovate, while making sure that public funds are invested wisely. It builds on Canada's science and technology strengths while addressing challenges like health, the environment, and the competitive use of natural resources. It also recognizes the important role that the private sector and others play in Canada.
Creating Advantages
To meet these goals, the Government of Canada will foster three S&T advantages: an Entrepreneurial Advantage, a Knowledge Advantage, and a People Advantage.
- For businesses, we will foster an environment that promotes investment in research, technologies, and skilled workers.
- For universities, colleges, and research institutions, we will sustain our commitments to research and to training the next generation of researchers and innovators.
- For all Canadians, we will be accountable for delivering results. We understand how discoveries in science and technology can build educational and professional opportunities, greater prosperity, and healthier communities.
Focusing on Priorities
We are committed to developing these three advantages that will create a climate of innovation and discovery in our nation. We will focus more of our energies and resources on achieving world-class leadership in four priority areas: environmental science and technologies; natural resources and energy; health and related life sciences and technologies; and information and communications technologies.
Respecting Principles
The Government of Canada will follow through on its commitments, guided by these core principles:
- Promoting world-class excellence
- Focusing on priorities
- Encouraging partnerships
- Enhancing accountability
Governments, universities, colleges, research institutions, businesses and entrepreneurs will all have to contribute to making Canada a science and technology leader. In the months ahead, the government will consult our partners within these communities to take action on the S&T Strategy.
Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage is available for download at www.ic.gc.ca/s&tstrategy.
Copies can also be ordered from the Government of Canada Publications Centre at 1-800-635-7943.