Editorial - 15-19

The Liberal government’s first full Budget in 19 months will be tabled in a matter of days and it should be a watershed event for those seeking evidence that the promise of an innovation strategy is more than just hot air. Talk is cheap but truly visionary leadership is a far more difficult and intangible attribute.

Although the Innovation Paper is being positioned as a consultation document, Ottawa has been getting an earful of solid, inspired advice for years now. And there’s no law against starting to make the fiscal investments and structural changes necessary to stimulate innovation.

Rumours abound that the indirect costs of university research and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research will be the beneficiaries of Budget’s innovation-related measures. That would be a good start, but so much more is required. And the prospect of waiting another full year before getting on with the work at hand is unsettling.

The government can move quickly when it’s motivated to do so. Witness the events of the last three months and the legislative speed of the government’s response. In a world where science is dramatically accelerating the pace of change and altering the nature of work and the economy, sitting back for another 12 months before taking concerted action borders on irresponsibility.

By all means, the government should consult with stakeholders and demonstrate flexibility in shaping the innovation strategy and new initiatives. But don’t stall on the issues that need immediate attention. No more delays. It’s time to get the innovation show on the road.