Editorial - 20-6

The mid-sized city of Waterloo is about to enhance its excellent research base with a massive infusion of public and private investment that’s unprecedented in Canadian history. The close relationship between three levels of government, the high-tech sector and post-secondary institutions is starting to paying big dividends that extend far beyond Waterloo’s borders.

As this issue’s lead article explains, the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (PI) and the Univ of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) have received $150 million to further support their strategic objectives of becoming world leading in their respective fields.

While it’s futile to try and pinpoint the genesis for this remarkable confluence of investment, it’s difficult to imagine how it would have transpired without the input of Mike Lazaridis. The Univ of Waterloo graduate and co-founder of Research in Motion had the means, vision and entrepreneurial savvy to start the ball rolling back in 2000 and keep it rolling with a new commitment to PIof $50 million.

Lazaridis’ commitment to fundamental research has been contagious. All three levels of government and the Univ of Waterloo have contributed to the early success of PI and IQC. And now the Province of Ontario has stepped forward with an additional $100 million.

Ottawa has previously displayed its generosity and the new government should consider the merits of building upon that dedication to Canada’s research base. All players need to do their part to support this powerful public-private partnership. It represents one of Canada’s best bets to achieve global leadership in key research niches.