Editorial - 14-14

Science and technology policies and programs have never been considered good reasons for casting a vote on election day, but the upcoming federal election may change all that (see page 3). S&T has never enjoyed the visibility that it's receiving during the current campaign, belatedly reflecting S&T's pervasive influence over all facets of the economy, society and the environment.

Determining how best to employ S&T is the central challenge to a sitting government, and the different approaches being taken by the two front-running parties are both substantial and illuminating. The incumbent Liberals have placed S&T front and centre in their platform document, with a mixture of funding, incentives and intervention that underlines their adherence to the role of government in areas considered part of the public good.

In contrast, the Canadian Alliance continues to push tax cuts as the cure for nearly everything ailing Canadians, with a nod to the federal role in S&T in its support for the granting councils and advocacy for a chief scientist and science advisor to the prime minister.

The Canadian Alliance argues that, if only taxation levels were reduced, Canadians would become more inventive, more competitive and wealthier than they are under the Liberals. If such an approach sounds too simplistic, then it probably is. Vibrant, effective innovation systems must be carefully nurtured, and the role of central government is key to their success. Abdicating that role and throwing our national fortunes to the forces of the marketplace could be ruinous to Canada's ability to compete in the 21st Century.

Mark Henderson, Managing Editor