Minister of State Goodyear Addresses Delegates at International Forum on R&D

HAMILTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 13, 2011) - The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology, Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario) delivered a keynote address at the International Forum on R&D in Hamilton yesterday. The two-day event drew academics, business leaders and researchers from around the world.

"Through our government's science and technology strategy, we are ensuring that Canada is the 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 helping bring promising ideas to the marketplace to keep our economy strong in the future and create jobs."

Organized by McMaster University, the Forum drew a number of high-profile delegates, including BMO Financial Group Vice-Chair Kevin Lynch; the Right Honourable Paul Martin, former Prime Minister of Canada; McMaster University Chancellor Lynton "Red" Wilson; and Canada Foundation for Innovation President and Chief Executive Officer Gilles Patry, among others.

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

For more information on the International Forum on R&D, please visit McMaster University's Forum website. To learn more about the Government of Canada's science and technology initiatives, visit science.gc.ca.