Editorial - 22-14

The demand for hospital research infrastructure greatly exceeds supply. One of Canada's most respected entrepreneurs says the high-tech sector is in danger of being shipped offshore. Canada's innovation system is under severe pressure and there doesn't appear to be any willingness on the part of our federal elected officials to tackle urgent problems head on.

So far in the current election campaign, science and innovation have rarely been mentioned, if at all. This lack of attention flies in the face of years of expert advice on how government can play a powerful and effective role in transitioning Canada to a knowledge-based economy. Unfortunately, what we've heard so far is depressingly familiar and counterproductive. A two cent a litre tax break on diesel fuel is about as effective as a 2% cut to the goods and services tax. It's arguably effective for getting votes but next to useless from an economic perspective.

Terry Matthews has seen the fortunes of Canadian high-tech rise and fall over 40 years. So when he says he's never seen the situation as bad as it is now, governments would do well to listen. One would hope his membership on the Science, Technology and Innovation Council is at least making the Industry minister aware of what can be done to combat the ravages of globalization, offshoring and over-reliance on natural resources.

Canada still has what it takes to excel in today's cut-throat global economic environment. Governments have taken many positive steps to shore up the nation's research base. It's time to go much further and accelerate the pace before the damage is irreversible.