For Immediate Release
September 16, 2008

INNOVATION KEY TO NEW ECONOMY

Ontario Pushes Innovation Agenda With Provincial/Territorial Colleagues

NEWS

Provincial and Territorial ministers responsible for innovation accepted Ontario’s invitation to meet this past weekend in Stratford to discuss how Canada can spark the next generation of globally competitive home-grown companies.

The goal of the meeting was to discuss ideas for creating a more effective national innovation strategy that fosters a new generation of jobs and prosperity. 

They also toured the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (PI) in Waterloo where PI Board Chair, Mike Lazaridis, offered some perspectives on the overarching importance of education, research and discovery to creating social and economic prosperity.

Strengthening the environment for Innovation is part of the McGuinty government’s five-point plan for the economy.

QUOTES

“I look forward to working with my counterparts across the country on a strategic approach to innovation in Canada.  Ontario has the right plan for the times because we are acting as a catalyst to turn new ideas into good-paying jobs.  We could do more, and do it faster, if the federal government became our partner in innovation,” said Minister of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson.

QUICK FACTS

• The Conference Board of Canada’s How Canada Performs program rated Canada as a “D” in innovation.

• Ontario is closing this gap with a $3-billion Innovation Agenda that focuses on translating research excellence into new jobs and new industries.
• Innovation Agenda funds support areas such as healthcare and the environment. Recent announcements have included support for biofuels in London and research in Waterloo to help older adults overcome memory loss. 

LEARN MORE

Read the Conference Board of Canada report

Learn More about Ontario’s Innovation Agenda

Learn how Ontario’s Budget 2008 is supporting innovation