Editorial - 18-1

Keep an eye on Alberta in 2004. The province many assume is focused more on holes in the ground than on S&T is quickly becoming a hotbed of innovative ideas and initiatives that have national implications. As this issue illustrates, another major innovation proposal emanating from the west is gaining traction in Ottawa (see page 5).

Health Innovation Canada (HIC) has its roots in the Canada West Health Innovation Council and both are spearheaded by Dr Henry Friesen, a Manitoban who has long wielded considerable national clout. HIC seeks to leverage the massive amount of money going into Canada’s health care system, transforming Canada into a net exporter of health-related goods and services.

The initiative offers an intriguing complement to another ambitious proposal coming out of the Alberta Research Council (ARC). Innovation Canada proposes establishing a national network of research infrastructure and expertise to assist business in becoming more innovative and commercializing their products (R$, December 11/03) With ARC, Alberta is one of the few provinces to retain a meaningful provincial research organization and the decision may be about to pay major economic and political dividends.

Add to the mix a new prime minister eager to pick up seats in the west and an Alberta MP (Anne McLellan) who ranks as the second most powerful politician in Parliament and you have a recipe for action. Now all the province has to do is figure out how to attract more investment dollars to the province and it’ll be a force to be reckoned with.