OTTAWA - The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), received Canada's Science, Technology and Innovation System: State of the Nation 2008, the first public report by the Science, Technology and Innovation Council (STIC). The report charts Canada's progress and compares Canadian performance with that of the world's science, technology and innovation leaders.

"Our government places a high value on the advancement of science, technology, innovation and commercialization," said Minister Clement. "This report is important feedback on the Government of Canada's science and technology policy; it provides a valuable baseline to track our progress. I would like to thank the Council members for their hard work and for lending their expertise to Canada."

The Council examined more than 50 international and domestic standards of excellence to help identify strengths and weaknesses in Canada's science, technology and innovation system.

The Council was appointed in October 2007. It is chaired by Dr. Howard Alper, who is joined by 17 members representing the research, education and business sectors. Its mandate is to provide the Minister of Industry with evidence-based policy advice on science and technology issues and to produce regular national reports that measure Canada's science and technology performance against international standards of excellence.

In Canada's Science and Technology Strategy, Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage, the Government of Canada committed to consolidating external science and technology advisory bodies and launched the STIC.

"Since 2006, our government has been committed to investing in research and development in order to improve the quality of life of all Canadians and strengthen the economy for future generations," said Minister of State Goodyear. "Investing in science and technology is crucial to developing highly skilled people and improving the long-term competitiveness of Canadian firms."

A copy of Canada's Science, Technology and Innovation System: State of the Nation 2008, as well as a backgrounder on the report, can be downloaded at www.stic-csti.ca.