Minister of State Goodyear Delivers Canada's Message at International Science Conference

May 01, 2009

OTTAWA, May 1, 2009 — The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), was warmly received today at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Forum on Science and Technology Policy in Washington, D.C., where he gave a keynote address on the importance of investing in science and technology and innovation to create jobs in the short term and to promote scientific discovery and long-term growth.

He made the following statements:
“In Canada, we appreciate and value our relationships with our American and international partners in the area of Science and Technology. As we face common challenges and explore new frontiers, both at home and internationally, we take great pride in building partnerships that strengthen our work and improve our lives.

“Our country will emerge from this economic crisis because our government supports a knowledge advantage and encourages research. We understand that today's research is tomorrow's technology, insight or cure.”

Minister of State Goodyear met with Dr. John P. Holdren, Director of the United States Office of Science and Technology Policy, Arden Bement, Director of the National Science Foundation, and Charles Vest, President of the National Academy of Engineering. The meetings were productive and insightful.

Discussions centred around the strong emphasis that both Canada and the United States place on supporting research and on how the two countries could work together on future projects. In particular, both governments expressed an eagerness to work together at the upcoming G8 Science and Technology Ministers' Meeting in Italy in June.

The Forum on Science and Technology Policy is an annual event organized by the AAAS, the world's largest organization dedicated to the advancement of science. Participants included university educators, researchers, think tank analysts and government officials involved in science and technology policy making from the United States and around the world.