Minister of State Holder Delivers Address on Seizing Canada's Moment in Science, Technology and Innovation

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - Oct. 17, 2014) - Department of Industry

The Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology), delivered a keynote address at the Canadian Science Policy Conference today, kicking off National Science and Technology Week celebrations. In his speech, Minister of State Holder outlined Canadian scientific success stories that are contributing to Canada's emergence as a research and innovation leader. These success stories include the work by Jeff Dahn (Dalhousie University) on lithium batteries that is revolutionizing everything from smart devices to electric cars, groundbreaking cancer research by Wolf Prize winner Nahum Sonenberg (McGill University), and the quest undertaken by the Institute for Quantum Computing to develop the fastest quantum computers in the world.

Minister of State Holder indicated that Canada continues to lead the G7 in support for research and development at universities and colleges and has the most educated population among developed countries as a result. With the Harper Government's record investments in science, technology and innovation, Canada is well-positioned to seize the moment in the upcoming science, technology and innovation strategy.

Quick facts

• Now in its sixth year, the Canadian Science Policy Conference is a national forum for researchers, policy makers, academics and entrepreneurs to discuss current and emerging issues in science, technology and innovation policy.
  
  
• This year's conference will host 14 panels, 50 speakers and more than 300 participants focusing on themes concerning innovation and partnerships, risk assessment and the role of science in forecasting and mitigating global disasters, and the role of science and technology (S&T) in economic development and prosperity.
  
  
• The final day of the conference is the start of National Science and Technology Week, which runs from October 17 to 26. It celebrates the work of Canada's scientists and researchers and encourages young Canadians to pursue careers in S&T.
  
  
• Since 2006, the Government has provided more than $11 billion in new resources to support basic and applied research, talent development, research infrastructure and innovative activities in the private sector, including more effectively aligning federal support for research with business needs.
  
  
• The federal S&T strategy, Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage, was released in May 2007 and outlined a comprehensive plan to make Canada a leader in S&T, research and innovation. The government is currently working on a renewed strategy.
  
  

Quote

"Our government has made record commitments to the science, technology and innovation that pushes the boundaries of knowledge, creates jobs and prosperity, and improves the quality of life of Canadians. In the renewed science, technology and innovation strategy, we will continue to focus on developing, attracting and retaining the most talented researchers in the world, including encouraging passion and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics among young Canadians."

- Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology)

Associated links

- Canadian Science Policy Conference

- National Science and Technology Week 2014

- Science.gc.ca

- Industry Canada Science and Technology website