Editorial - 15-15

The aftershocks of the brazen attacks on the United States have yet to be fully felt as that nation’s government and its allies prepare their response to these deplorable acts of terrorism. While time will eventually apply its healing balm to our collective wounds, the scale of the tragic loss of human life still defies complete comprehension.

Finding the strength to go on as before is a challenge we must all confront, not only at the personal level but politically and economically as well. The resolve to continue dealing with the important issues of the day, and the future, will ensure that Canadians will emerge from the dark period in our history stronger and wiser.

Canada has many issues that have been identified as key to moving forward towards a true knowledge-based economy and society. S&T may have temporarily lost some of their previous lustre but they must remain a vital component of government policy (see page 3). And dedicating the resources to implement an Innovation Agenda in which S&T play central roles is still as relevant now as it was before September 11. Health, safety, security and environmental research are the preserve of our elected politicians and we count on them to ensure that advances are made and initiatives are funded.

This does not imply insensitivity on the part of government. Rather, it em-braces the moral and political obligation of rising above the depravity we’ve been witness to and resolving to fulfill our dreams and ambitions despite adversity. To do less would be a capitulation to those who seek to destroy rather than create, to deny the future instead of embracing it.