Canada appears to be moving towards consensus on the need to integrate our innovation and foreign policies in a way that assists those in the developing world. A recent speech by Paul Martin has accelerated convergence of opinion within the S&T community on why Canada should increase its support for such a role. That leaves only the means to achieve this complex objective unresolved.

The timing is excellent for such a policy shift. Canadian overtures come at a time when the US has alienated much of the developing world with an aggressive foreign policy, abusive trade practices and apparent indifference to global issues such as poverty and environmental degradation. But it also a welcome change of pace from recent years which has seen Canada’s global profile diminished.

Canada’s research and S&T communities are ready for a challenge of this nature and magnitude. As a liberal middle power, we have developed a powerful suite of knowledge in health and the natural and social sciences that can be effectively applied to key issues in the developing world. And biotechnology offers tools that can be put to remarkable use while attracting private sector participation.

Martin’s endorsement of such a role may be the catalyst required to return Canada to prominence as a nation of peace and assistance. And the prospect of medium- and long-term commercial opportunities should make this a no-brainer for businesses seeking to burnish their image abroad. But image and business opportunities aside, Martin’s speech gave voice to the best reason of all — “the opportunity to do that which is right”.