Editorial - 23-1

There's increasing speculation that next week's Budget may mark a turning point in the government's attitude towards S&T. Recent comments by a cabinet minister (Dr Gary Goodyear) and a senator (Dr Wilbert Keon) suggest that the Harper administration may be following the US lead and employing S&T as a means to weather the deepening recession.

If true, this is excellent news and could mark the beginning of a new era of S&T for the nation. US president Barack Obama has clearly indicated that he and his team support the contention that placing science, technology and innovation (STI) front and centre is essential for future competitiveness and prosperity. Harper needs to do the same and let Canadians know in no uncertain terms.

While Canada is a much smaller player, it could reap considerable benefit from boosting STI spending. Industry associations have already weighed in with advice on where the money can best be spent. Changing eligibility for R&D tax credits and significantly expanding the budget of the Industrial Research Assistance Program are just two perennial recommendations that should be heeded.

But support for S&T must go much further, reviving government laboratories, giving the granting councils more than token funding increases and re-introducing an Industry Canada program that supports private sector biotechnology and information and communications technology.

The shopping list is long and resources are finite but bold leadership never comes without risk. It's time for this government to show its true mettle and work to build an innovative Canada.