Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage: Progress Report 2009

Message from the Prime Minister

Canadians have always been able to take pride in being international leaders in science and technology. From the discovery of insulin to the development of the Canadarm to the invention of the BlackBerry^®, Canadian researchers have always been at the vanguard of scientific and technological achievement.

Canada's advantage, of course, is primarily due to the talents and efforts of Canadian scientists and researchers themselves. In addition, both the private and public sectors have done their part to ensure that Canadian talent has access to the support and facilities it needs to compete and succeed on the world stage.

Building on our science, technology and research advantage is more important than ever. Even after Canada and other countries emerge from the global recession, our economies will be fundamentally changed. We are already witnessing worldwide competition for the world's best and brightest researchers. Going forward, we can expect that the jobs of the future will be even more dependent on our science and technology sectors. Attracting and retaining these jobs requires us to make smart long-term decisions today.

It was with these objectives in mind that I took great pleasure in launching Canada's Science and Technology Strategy, Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage, in May 2007. Our vision is to make Canada an even more attractive international destination for research, investment and work in the fields of science and technology.

Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage: Progress Report 2009 will provide you with an update on how far we have come in delivering on this Strategy. Whether we are talking about health care, environmental, energy or information technologies, Canada has a lot to build on. We look forward to working with and supporting Canadian scientists and researchers as they take the next step.

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper
Prime Minister of Canada