Speech

Remarks by
Tony Wong, Parliamentary Assistant MRI
At First Robotics Canada 2006

March 31, 2006 -- CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

Thank you for that kind introduction.

And thank you for this chance to meet the rising stars of Ontario's creative robotics team.

I am very pleased to be representing Premier Dalton McGuinty here today to congratulate the 2006 FIRST Robotics winners for the GTA.

The goal of FIRST Robotics Canada is to inspire students to consider studies and careers in science, technology, mathematics and engineering.

In other words ...  to be among the innovators of the future.

At the Ministry of Research and Innovation we are working to create an environment that supports and rewards innovation.

The Premier believes that innovation is so vital to our future that he has made himself Ontario's first Minister of Research and Innovation. 

And it is my great honour and privilege to work with him as his Parliamentary Assistant

One of our ministry's first priorities is to harness the passion and the brainpower of the next generation of scientists, researchers and great creative thinkers.

That's why we have invested three million dollars over three years to provide high school students with the opportunity to meet Ontario researchers and technologists and gain face-to-face experience in the innovation arena.

We've made this investment because we look to this generation to give us their version of the Canadarm ... or to advance the field of remote robotic surgery ...  or to perfect the humanoid robot.

The Premier has said that he wants innovation to be more than possible in Ontario — he wants it to be inevitable.

Our prosperity and quality of life depend on it.

The level of creativity and ingenuity on display here today shows that there are no limits to what can be achieved when teamwork and innovation work together.

Again, congratulations to the organizers of this event, all of the teams and the winners ... I wish you every success. 

We look forward to working with the young competitors here today — the inventors of the future — the people who will be a sustaining force for a true culture of innovation in our province.

It is inevitable.

Thank you.