Exchange of Correspondence Between the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry, and Dr. Arthur Carty, National Science Advisor

Industry Canada today released an exchange of correspondence between the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry, and Dr. Arthur Carty, National Science Advisor, pertaining to Dr. Carty's forthcoming retirement from the public service of Canada.

In his letter, Minister Prentice thanked Dr. Carty for his significant contributions to Canadian science and technology, both as National Science Advisor and as President of the National Research Council. In particular, the Minister noted Dr. Carty's valuable work on the international stage, such as his participation in the Carnegie Group, and science advice, such as that which led to the creation of the Council of Canadian Academies. Dr. Carty's support for science culture and awareness was also cited. The Minister concluded by extending his appreciation for Dr. Carty's leadership and dedication to the public service of Canada.

With the establishment of the new Science, Technology and Innovation Council (STIC), the roles and responsibilities of a number of federal advisory bodies, including the Office of the National Science Advisor (ONSA), were reviewed. In this context, the Office of the National Science Advisor will be phased out, the position of National Science Advisor will be discontinued, and the STIC will function as a single external committee, providing the government with independent and integrated advice on science and technology. The Science and Innovation Sector of Industry Canada and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade will assume programmatic activities of the ONSA.

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Text of letters:

19 October 2007

The Honourable Jim Prentice
Minister of Industry
235 Queen Street
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0H5

Dear Minister Prentice:

The new Science and Technology Strategy “Mobilising Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage” is now launched and the mechanisms for providing science advice to government are evolving. In this regard, I have discussed with your Deputy Minister, Richard Dicerni, options for my office and for my own position as National Science Advisor.

I have concluded that I will retire from my position at the end of the current fiscal year on March 31st, 2008. This will allow an orderly transition and phase out of the office while allowing time for my staff to be integrated into other functions within Industry Canada. I will continue to serve you as National Science Advisor over the coming months and be able to fulfill commitments and obligations which I have made for the period October 2007–March 2008.

I hope to have the opportunity to meet you soon to discuss how I can best be of help to you in your important role as Minister of Industry.

Yours sincerely,

Original signed by
Arthur J. Carty
National Science Advisor

c.c. Richard Dicerni, Deputy Minister

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December 13, 2007

Dr. Arthur Carty
National Science Advisor
235 Queen Street
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0H5

Dear Dr. Carty:

I am writing in response to your letter of October 19, 2007, in which you advised me of your intention to retire from your position as National Science Advisor, effective March 31, 2008.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation for your long-standing contribution to the service of Canadians over the past 14 years. As President of the National Research Council Canada (NRC), you led the federal government's premier research and development organization and were able to foster important linkages between NRC and the users of its knowledge and innovation, namely the industrial sector. In this regard, may I assure you that your vision and leadership at NRC continues to contribute to the government's Science and Technology Strategy and efforts to improve Canada's capacity to innovate and prosper.

As Canada's National Science Advisor, you have provided governments with expert strategic advice on key matters important to our country's science, technology and innovation policy. Furthermore, you have made significant and valuable contributions to Canada's international agenda, and have built a strong and well-respected Canadian presence at such forums as the G8 Carnegie Group and the Canada-India Joint Science and Technology Committee. I would also like to thank you for your significant contribution to science advice in Canada through championing the creation of the Council of Canadian Academies and for your efforts to better encourage a science culture in Canada.

Once again, I wish to extend my sincere appreciation for your leadership and dedication to the public service of Canada. Please accept my best wishes in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Original signed by
The Honourable Jim Prentice, P.C., Q.C., M.P.