Government of Canada Launches Interactive Innovation Agenda Website

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 22, 2016) - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Canadians from all walks of life are invited to share their ideas for building Canada as a global centre for innovation-one that strengthens the middle class by creating well-paying jobs, driving growth across all industries and improving lives.

The most important part of the Government's Innovation Agenda-engaging Canadians-starts today with the launch of an interactive website, announced by Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development; Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism; and Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science.

All three ministers will lead specific activities as part of a summer-long period of public engagement aimed at building an inclusive and innovative Canada.

The website, Canada.ca/Innovation, allows Canadians to share their ideas for positioning Canada as a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into jobs and start-up companies into global successes. That's what innovation is all about.

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

The feedback that the Government receives through the website will help shape an innovation action plan. Central to this plan will be a call for all sectors of society to take action. Clear outcomes and targets will be used to measure progress toward the vision of positioning Canada as a global leader in promoting research, accelerating business growth, and propelling entrepreneurs from the commercialization and start-up stages to international success. That's how innovation will foster a thriving middle class and open the country to new economic, social and environmental possibilities.

Quotes

"Government cannot act alone if Canadians expect to see meaningful results. Every sector of society has a role to play in ensuring that all Canadians have the opportunity to participate fully in an innovation economy. That's why we are inviting Canadians to offer their solutions on how to foster a culture of innovation. By making innovation a national priority, we ensure that Canada's middle class continues to thrive, with good-paying jobs for a highly skilled and educated workforce."

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

"Support for world-class research is critical to making innovation a national priority. We are looking for Canadians' input on how to strengthen applied research while promoting partnerships with businesses so that the knowledge and discoveries generated in the lab make their way to the market."

- Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

"Small businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy. They create jobs, they support communities, and they allow our best and brightest to shine. As we move ahead with the Innovation Agenda, we need to set our sights high. In addition to being a great place to start a business, Canada will become a great place to grow a business."

- Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism

Related products

-Backgrounder on six action areas

-Bios for innovation leaders

Associated links

-Link to website

Follow Minister Bains on social media.

Twitter: @MinisterISED