Harper Government Strengthening Canada's Science and Technology Advantage

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 28, 2012) - During a speech today at the Creative Economy Summit, the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology, delivered the message that the government will continue to make key investments in science and technology. Canada's long-term economic competitiveness, he noted, depends on promoting business-related research and development (R&D) that drives innovation and creates jobs.

"Science and technology means jobs and economic growth," said Minister of State Goodyear. "We can sell our solutions to the world because we're not unique in the problems we face."

The Minister of State also noted that the government is studying the recommendations of the independent expert panel whose mandate was to review federal support for R&D. "We received the report, and while we don't necessarily subscribe to all of its recommendations, we do agree with the direction of the changes that need to be made to address the challenges faced in business-related R&D, and we will act soon," he said.

"Through our government's science and technology strategy, we are keeping our economy strong, creating high-quality jobs and ensuring Canada is a premier destination for the world's top researchers," said Minister of State Goodyear. "By supporting innovation, we are not only encouraging cutting-edge research but also bringing promising creative ideas to the marketplace."

In his speech, Minister of State Goodyear outlined some of the achievements of the Government of Canada's science and technology strategy, which is aimed at attracting and retaining the world's brightest researchers, increasing R&D investment and commercializing promising research.

To learn more about the Government of Canada's science and technology initiatives, visit the Science and Technology for Canadians website (www.science.gc.ca).