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Edmonton MP James Rajotte has revived his long-standing call for the creation of a chief scientist and a single authority to review major science projects. The chair of the House of Commons standing committee on industry, science and technology (IST) says the chief scientist’s position could be created by upgrading the office of the national science advisor currently held by Dr Arthur Carty.

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is significantly expanding its ability to make Quebec-based seed and pre-seed investments with the creation of GO Capital, a $50-million fund backed by several Quebec-based investors including BDC.

The federal government’s imminent Economic and Fiscal Update (EFU) will have a major S&T component, according to sources familiar with the latest version of draft S&T Strategy now under development. There have been major shifts in the tone and emphasis of the strategy, which is now being described as outward-oriented, with greater relevance given to aspects of S&T outside of the Industry Canada portfolio, particularly international.

The benefits of Canada’s generous R&D tax credit system are being undercut by high levels of taxation on the production of goods and services, weakening the competitiveness of innovative businesses and resulting in low aggregate R&D intensity.

The future of CANARIE Inc is becoming an increasing urgent concern for Canadian researchers in all walks of life as its five-year funding agreement with the federal government is due to expire at the end of this FY.

Quebec institutions take major hit

The party appears to be winding down for university research funding. After several years of double digit increases, sponsored research income increased a relatively modest 3.

Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa-Gatineau are the most research-intensive communities in Canada, according to recently released data. The findings are based on 11 key indicators for corporate R&D and university research and place Montreal in the top spot, based on its large number of R&D-performing firms and the combined research income attracted by its five universities.

A unique report examining the potential of linking biotechnology and sustainable development concludes that Canada must quickly position itself for a confluence of the two fields. Failure to act will risk squandering natural advantages that could help to vault the nation into a leadership position.

In the October 18/06 issue of RE$EARCH MONEY, it was incorrectly stated that university research funding increases would have to accelerate dramatically if the AUCC’s Framework Agreement target for the tripling of commercialization is to be achieved.

Formidable hurdles remain

Progress on a unique, multi-faceted R&D initiative between Canada and the State of California has captured the attention of political and bureaucratic leaders in Ottawa and Sacramento and has the potential to vault Canada into the top ranks of research in several areas.