Minister of State Goodyear Emphasizes Importance of Innovation Partnerships

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 17, 2012) - The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today attended the 31st Annual National Innovation Awards Gala, where he spoke about the importance of industry-driven research and urged the country's business and academic sectors to work together to advance such work.

"Collaboration between business and academia is essential to leverage our research strengths to address market driven challenges and opportunities," said Minister of State Goodyear. "With Economic Action Plan 2012, our government is sustaining its efforts in support of all forms of research."

Minister of State Goodyear also spoke about the Harper Government's science and technology investments and the strengthening of Canada's position as a global innovation leader.

The Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation, which hosted the Awards Gala, has recognized and supported Canadian innovators of all ages since 1982. The award winners are Canadian citizens who have demonstrated recent innovative talent in developing and successfully marketing new concepts, processes or procedures.

Since 2006, the Harper Government has invested nearly $8 billion in initiatives supporting science, technology and the growth of innovative firms in Canada, including $5 billion for advanced research, education and training; $2 billion for post-secondary infrastructure; and $1 billion for applied research and financing. This funding has helped to make Canada a world leader in post-secondary education research and to create the knowledge and highly skilled workforce that are required for a more prosperous economy.

For more information on the Government of Canada's science and technology initiatives, visit the Science and Technology for Canadians website (science.gc.ca).