Minister of State Goodyear Leads University Delegation to India

Canadian team advancing research partnerships abroad

Ottawa, November 5, 2010 — Canada is becoming a top destination for research talent from around the world, and both international scientists and businesses should conduct more research and development here. This is the message that the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), will take to New Delhi, India, as he leads a delegation of university presidents. Organized by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, the visit aims to raise the profile of Canadian universities and build on the momentum of the round table on higher education that the Prime Minister convened in India last November.

"There are unprecedented opportunities for researchers and businesses from India and other countries to build partnerships, conduct research and invest in Canada," said Minister of State Goodyear. "Our government is committed to developing new prospects and partnerships that will strengthen Canada's economy and reinforce our leadership in science and research on the world stage."

Minister of State Goodyear plans to meet with the Honourable Shri Prithviraj Chavan, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences; the Honourable Kapil Sibal, Minister of Human Resource Development; and Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. Minister of State Goodyear will also deliver a keynote address to the Canada–India University Presidents' Round Table and will meet with Indian scientists, university presidents and business leaders throughout his trip.

Prior to events in India, the Minister of State will travel to London, UK, and meet with Professor Alan J. Thorpe, Chair of Research Councils UK Executive Group; Dr. Hermann Hauser, member of Britain's Advisory Board on the Higher Education Innovation Fund and of the Council for Science and Technology; and Mr. James R. Wright, Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. During these meetings, he will highlight opportunities for British researchers and companies to come to Canada.

Since 2008, the Government of Canada has introduced three major programs designed to position Canada as a magnet for the world's top students and researchers: the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program, the Canada Excellence Research Chairs Program and the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships Program. Attracting top students to Canada brings socioeconomic benefits such as a diversity of perspectives, expertise and skills, and it lays the foundations for international networks that strengthen Canada's economic, diplomatic and scientific ties abroad.

Canada currently ranks first among G7 countries in higher education research and development expenditures as a percentage of gross domestic product.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Gary Toft
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
613-943-7599

Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502