As Canadians lurch towards a January Federal election, the various political parties seem to be grasping at straws to distinguish themselves from each other.
Strangely, not one has given a clear message about one of the most critical issues facing Canada in the next ten years - building and maintaining a sustainable, competitive, technological economy.
With the decline of manufacture and support for the failing American automobile industry showing little prospect of slowing, and the rapid capability growth and massive investments in technology, education, and basic and applied R&D by emerging countries such as China and India, Canada risks falling far behind. Are we to become nothing more than suppliers of oil, coal, lumber, and agricultural products to an increasingly sophisticated, globalized economy?
Public funding of higher education and public investment in emerging technologies and innovation have contributed immensely to the quality of life Canadians enjoy today. A century ago, we understood the importance of keeping our fires burning in the cold Canadian winters. The fires that keep us warm in the 21st century are education and R&D. Baby, it's cold outside...