MRI'S STRATEGIC PLAN 

Dalton McGuinty, Premier Of Ontario and Minister of Research and Innovation
Statement to the Legislative Assembly

December 11, 2006 — CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in my role as Minister of Research and Innovation, to proudly share with the members of this House our government’s next steps to further strengthen Ontario’s economy through innovation.

To state the obvious, Mr. Speaker, Ontario’s future success will be shaped by our ability to compete and win in the global marketplace. And in that marketplace, speed counts for a lot.

Because in today’s global economy, it’s no longer just about the big overtaking the small. More and more, it’s about the fast overtaking the slow.

Mr. Speaker, we want a fast Ontario. An Ontario that is fast to generate new ideas, fast to convert those ideas into highly sought-after goods and services, and fast to benefit with good jobs and a high quality of life.

Mr. Speaker, human beings are the only species blessed with the power of imagination. We are all born with creativity; and never has it been more important to Ontario that we harness the power of Ontarians to imagine and create.

Tapping into the creative potential of Ontarians and building a stronger, more innovative economy means we will need a plan to get us there.

Earlier this year, I asked my ministry to help me develop a strategic plan to position Ontario as an innovation leader. Today Mr. Speaker, I am presenting our strategic plan for consultation with stakeholders across the province. In crafting this plan, we consulted with researchers, industry, the private sector, academic institutions and other government ministries. Their advice reflects a comprehensive understanding of the importance of innovation, and a desire to enhance its positive impact on Ontario. I appreciate their support.

I especially wish to thank the Ontario Research and Innovation Council (ORIC), under the leadership of Dr. Adam Chowaniec (who is in the gallery with us today). The members of ORIC have helped us a great deal with their advice on how Ontario can create an environment that is both innovation focused and commerce friendly.

Our plan demonstrates our commitment to creating that environment in Ontario – so that individuals, businesses and organizations have the tools they need to transform creative ideas into economic advantages.

The plan has clear goals:

• Ontario will be the preferred location to grow knowledge-based businesses;
• Ontario will attract the best and the brightest scientists and innovators from around the world, with R&D excellence and efficient commercialization;
• Ontario will attract increased private-sector investment in R&D, becoming a leader in the rapid introduction and adoption of innovative products, and;
• Ontario will produce the highly qualified workforce an innovation-based economy demands.

Our government will lead by example, with integrated and coordinated innovation initiatives across all ministries, and a culture of innovation in our own operations.

Mr. Speaker, we want this strategic plan to be truly representative of the needs and desires of Ontarians. To ensure this, we will conduct a series of public consultations in every region of our province over the next few months. I have asked my Parliamentary Assistant John Wilkinson, and my Deputy Minister, Dr. Alastair Glass, to lead these consultations.

I encourage all members of this legislature and anyone with a keen interest in our future prosperity to visit our website at www.ontario.ca/innovation to read our plan, find out how to participate in consultations and give us their best advice.

Innovation is key, Mr. Speaker, to growing a stronger, more competitive economy. When we succeed at that – when we create homegrown jobs from homegrown ideas – then the people of Ontario enjoy the benefits through good jobs, rewarding work and stronger communities.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.