Canada's Science Minister promotes the government's investments in science, skills and training to Mississauga businesses
MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 5, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada continues to invest in new opportunities so Canadians, including young scientists, have the skills they need for the good middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow. When students acquire new science, engineering, math and technology (STEM) skills, they can make meaningful contributions benefitting their workplaces, their communities and the country.
That was the message that the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, delivered to business leaders today at the Mississauga Board of Trade. The overarching theme of the Minister's speech was the need for government and the business community to work together to help new generations of students gain the skills they need for today's highly competitive job market. She stressed that providing opportunities to Canadians is a government priority, one that is evident in the recent federal budget's investments in discovery research, talent and the creation of a STEM-savvy workforce.
Budget 2017 proposed $10.8 million for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's PromoScience Program. This program supports organizations offering youth, in particular young women and girls, opportunities to pursue their interest in the sciences. To create even more job opportunities for Canadian students, the budget proposed $221 million through Mitacs, a not-for-profit organization that builds partnerships between industry and educational institutions, for 10,000 co-op placements. The budget also proposed investing up to $950 million to support a small number of business-led innovation superclusters to further research and development in areas such as advanced manufacturing, health and the biosciences, and transportation.
These, along with other government initiatives, will help businesses in Mississauga and elsewhere in Canada have access to talented people who are ready to make a difference in their careers and communities.
Quote
"Canada has a rich legacy of successful collaborations between the country's remarkable business and research leaders. Their teamwork has led to many innovations that help strengthen our economy, protect our environment and grow the middle class. I want to encourage further partnerships between scientists, students and entrepreneurs so that we're all able to build a brighter, more prosperous future for all Canadians."
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science
Quick facts
- The Minister launched the search for a Chief Science Advisor who will help make sure science is taken into consideration when the Government makes policy decisions.
- The Minister launched an independent review of federal funding for fundamental science last summer—the first time in over 40 years that such a review was undertaken.
- Budget 2017 measures are in addition to existing commitments for post-secondary research and research training, including $3.06 billion in planned granting agency support for research and research training and $340 million for equipment and facilities for post-secondary institutions, research hospitals and other not-for-profit institutions.
Related products
Follow Minister Duncan on social media.
Twitter: @ScienceMin
Instagram: sciencemin
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Stéfanie Power, A/Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Science, 343-291-2600; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]
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