Article Type: Generic

The issue of voluntary labeling has dominated reaction a major report on the regulation of genetically modified (GM) foods in spite of the inclusion of 43 other recommendations. The final report by the Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee (CBAC) includes input to CBAC’s interim report released last fall (R$, September 24/01).

The highly anticipated federal Science & Technology Review of 1994 descended into a public relations exercise for delivering election promises and minimizing the S&T cutbacks associated with Program Review, according to a new content analysis of more than 500 original documents.

ACOA minister adds to project total

The Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) has awarded $154.7 million to kick-start 47 R&D projects worth $359 million, including eight added to the list after the advisory board delivered its recommendations.

Make SR&ED refundable for all companies

The Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) has joined a growing chorus of organizations calling for refundability under the federal tax incentive program for R&D expenditures to be extended to all companies.

Investment activity by the Canadian venture capital (VC) industry crashed in flames during the second quarter of this year, shot down by the telecommunications meltdown, slumping public markets and shrinking foreign investment.

The Communication Research Centre (CRC) has successfully thwarted a legal attack against its most lucrative invention, the first time in history the federal government has defended a patent generated by a government laboratory.

Report from the innovation front – first of a series

Broadband connectivity, assistance for commercialization, access to capital and a coordinated investment strategy emerged as some of the major themes at Industry Canada’s regional summit for Central Eastern Ontario.

Genome Atlantic (GA) has received a $9-million cash infusion from the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF), as part of a $23-million funding package for four R&D projects in the region. GA has now received $29 million in funds, with the largest portion coming from Genome Canada ($14 million).

The Canadian Microelectronics Corp (CMC) is hoping to strengthen its role as a key research engine for national innovation and competitiveness. It has broadened its strategic direction to reflect the rapid convergence disciplines in which microchips and microsystems play a critical role.

The Canadian Microelectronics Corp is participating in a proposal to the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE)to develop laboratories on a chip The Network is seeking $7 million annually and will focus primarily on biomedical and environmental applications, as well as security, forensics and social policy.