######################################## #Written by David Tam, 1999. # #davidkftam@netscape.net Copyright 1999# ######################################## From tamda@ecf.toronto.edu Mon Jul 12 18:28:03 1999 Date: Mon, 22 Feb 1999 14:55:59 -0500 (EST) From: David Kar Fai Tam To: APS 424S Subject: #13-02/23/99-"`Knowledge' spending to rise by $1.8 billion" The Globe and Mail, Wednesday, February 17, 1999. A14. Finance Minister Martin has announced a list of "goodies" in his 1999 federal budget. Along with the much talked about health care spending, the government will be trying to improve Canada's technology goals. An increase in spending of $1.8 billion over the next three years is aimed at strengthening research facilities and aiding companies in producing cutting edge products and services. Aimed at encouraging research and innovation, the additional spending will go towards (1) creating knowledge, (2) disseminating it, (3) commercializing it, and (4) hiring people to support it. As well, an additional $1.4 billions is allocated of the next three years to health care research and innovation to improve diagnosis and treatment. Overall, the budget allocates 10% of the new spending to knowledge-based areas. This kind of investment in the future is a good sign for all Canadians. It will create an encouraging environment for the research, development, design, and commercialization of new technologies. Canada will become a fertile ground for the incubation of new technologies. By encouraging research and innovation, the government is investing in the long-term future of this nation. The goals of dissemination and commercialization of research and innovation offers huge potential for Canadian technology companies, old and new. Successful commercialization of new technologies will create self-sustaining new industries contribute to Canada's leadership in the new economy. The government has recognized the long term needs of the nation in this current age of information and globalization. Action must be taken to stem the southernly flow of Canadian talent, in the form of corporations, engineers, computer scientists, biologists, and MBA graduates. We must create opportunities and a fertile environment that will lead our nation into future prosperity.