OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 27, 2014) - Department of Industry

The Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology), delivered a keynote address at the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) Innovation Dialogue today. In his speech, the Minister of State outlined Canada's approach to research and innovation, which focuses on developing talent, knowledge and partnerships. He cited internationally renowned programs, such as the Canada Excellence Research Chairs, the Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence and those of the Canada Foundation for Innovation, which provide complementary support mechanisms to grow talent and foster innovation.

The Minister of State also highlighted Canada's post-secondary strengths, noting our G7 leadership in research funding intensity at universities. With the government's record investments in science, technology and innovation (ST&I) and the highly anticipated $1.5-billion Canada First Research Excellence Fund, Canada is well-positioned to accelerate its innovation agenda with the release of the upcoming ST&I strategy.

Quick facts

• In June 2013, the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada initiated a policy dialogue series, bringing together global higher-education leaders to examine the forces shaping universities' academic and research missions. This year's event convened experts from Canada, Germany and Israel to explore best practices in science, technology and innovation.
  
  
• 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 finalizing preparations on a renewed strategy.
  
  

Quote

"Our government has made record investments in science, technology and innovation, which create jobs, opportunities and improves the quality of life of Canadians. Canada leads the G7 in terms of support for research and development at universities, colleges and research institutions. Our government will continue to support Canadian universities as essential research partners and educators that can move Canadian innovation forward."

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

Associated links

- Canada Research Chairs

- Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC)

- Knowledge Infrastructure Program

- Canada Foundation for Innovation

- Networks of Centres of Excellence of Canada

-Canada-Israel Strategic Partnership Memorandum of Understanding

- Science, Technology, Innovation-40 Years of Canadian-German Co-operation (1971-2011)

- Science.gc.ca

- Industry Canada Science and Technology website

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