Building an Inclusive and Innovative Canada

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 14, 2016) - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Canada is at its most prosperous when all Canadians have a fair chance at success. That is why Canada must focus on innovation to deliver real change for the middle class and those working hard to join it.

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, today put forward a vision to build Canada as a global centre of innovation-one that focuses on strengthening the middle class by creating jobs, driving growth across all industries and improving the lives of all Canadians.

The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, and the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism, supported Minister Bains' vision to make innovation a national priority. All three ministers will lead specific activities as part of a government-wide approach aimed at building an inclusive and innovative Canada.

To achieve this vision, the Government of Canada will focus on six areas for action:

• promoting an entrepreneurial and creative society
• supporting global science excellence
• building world-leading clusters and partnerships
• growing companies and accelerating clean growth
• competing in a digital world
• improving ease of doing business

These six action areas, which form the Government of Canada's Innovation Agenda, will be the focus of a summer-long period of public engagement that will result in an action plan. Central to this plan will be a call to action to all sectors of society. Clear outcomes and targets will be used to measure progress toward the vision of positioning Canada as a global leader in skilled talent as well as the development of new products, services, business models and markets across all industries.

Minister Bains invited all Canadians to share their ideas on cultivating a confident nation of innovators-one that is globally competitive in promoting research, accelerating business growth and propelling entrepreneurs from the commercialization and start-up stages to international success. Canadians are invited to watch for the launch of an interactive website that will allow them to offer their suggestions on positioning Canada as a global leader in innovation.

In addition, round-table discussions will take place across the country. They will be hosted by leaders who are innovators in their own right. These leaders represent the private sector, universities and colleges, the not-for-profit sector, social entrepreneurs and businesses owned and operated by Indigenous people. This collaborative approach is essential because the Government cannot act alone. Every sector of society must be mobilized for action. Each sector must also have a stake in determining what the targets to measure progress should be and how those targets should be tracked and reported.

Quotes

"Canada needs a bold, coordinated strategy on innovation that delivers results for all Canadians. This engagement process reflects the Government's commitment to mobilizing all Canadians to action and to fostering innovation as a Canadian value. We don't need another report on what our challenges are. We need fresh ideas and a joint action plan that will make innovation a national priority and put Canada on a firm path to long-term economic growth."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"Investing in science is the first step on a path that leads to a strong innovation culture in Canada. Working with our partners in the scientific community, we will leverage the remarkable abilities of Canada's researchers to spur new discoveries and technological advances. By supporting world-class research excellence, our government is demonstrating the value it places on science and our scientists."

-The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

"The Innovation Agenda will help position Canada as a leader in innovation on the world stage. I am proud to be part of this exciting opportunity for our country, which will greatly benefit small businesses, and I encourage all Canadian entrepreneurs to participate in this movement toward a more innovative country."

- The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism

Quick facts

• The fully interactive website will allow all Canadians an opportunity to offer their views on how Canada can support innovation and to vote on ideas presented by other Canadians.

Related products

- Backgrounder on the Innovation Agenda and the six action areas

- Biographies of Innovation Leaders

Follow Minister Bains on social media.

Twitter: @MinisterISED