BC creates new technology and trade ministry

The British Columbia government has created a new Ministry of Technology, Trade and Economic Development (MTTED) that appears to split off the non-educational aspects of its S&T and innovation-related activities from the previous Ministry of Advanced Education. Under the political leadership of Ida Chong and DM Don Fast, MTTED will be responsible for tech transfer and commercialization activities and include economic development policy, international and internal trade policy, export market development, business climate, BC Venture Capital program, business immigration programs, innovation and technology, low carbon economy and the Innovative Clean Energy Fund. It will also oversee the BC Innovation Council, Premier's Technology Council and the Asia-Pacific Trade Council. Functions remaining with Advanced Education include programs related to students, scholarships and research infrastructure. The MTTED was created as part of a major realignment of government operations and a Cabinet shuffle that saw five new ministers appointed and seven others reassigned. More details are pending....