Canada to highlight commitment to innovation at G7 Industry and ICT Ministers’ Meeting

News Release

Minister Bains to promote jobs, skills and business opportunities at G7 talks in Italy

September 25, 2017 – Ottawa – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

The Government of Canada is committed to working with G7 countries to strengthen economic and political partnerships and create more growth, jobs, skills and business opportunities for Canadians and the citizens of all G7 countries.

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, will participate in the meeting of G7 ministers of industry and information and communications technologies (ICT) in Turin, Italy, on September 25 and 26, 2017. Minister Bains will highlight the Government of Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy aimed at ensuring that Canada meets the challenges and seizes the opportunities of the modern and global economy. By supporting innovation and life-long learning, our government can play a key role in fostering the birth and growth of industries that never existed before and of new companies that will be globally competitive. As these companies grow, they will create more middle-class jobs for Canadians and more opportunities for the next generations.

While in Italy, the Minister will also advocate for Canada’s values of diversity and inclusion. Through the Innovation and Skills Plan, our government is working tirelessly to promote Canada as an ideal investment destination for global businesses and to foster the scaling up of our own companies in the global economy.

Canada’s values of openness, diversity and inclusion are a big part of that plan. Our open society has attracted generations of innovators and entrepreneurs who have found in Canada a place to fulfill their potential. Canada benefits from the talent and hard work of newcomers, who contribute by creating jobs, opportunity and prosperity for Canadians. We are a stronger country as a result. Diversity is our strength, and we are committed to playing a leadership role to promote it on the world stage.

In 2018, Canada will chair the G7, providing an opportunity to showcase efforts to strengthen the middle class, advance gender equity, fight climate change and promote diversity and inclusion.

During his visit to northern Italy, the country’s industrial heartland, Minister Bains also plans to meet with Italian business representatives from various industries, with a particular focus on the automotive sector, to promote Canada as a rewarding place to invest.

Quotes

“Our government is deepening its global economic relationships to develop new markets and opportunities for Canadian businesses and to create more jobs for middle-class Canadians. Our values of diversity, openness and inclusion give Canadians a competitive edge in a global economy that depends on people’s ability to navigate through different cultures and languages, and I’m proud to promote these values at home and abroad. I look forward to collaborating with my G7 counterparts and continuing to explore how we can grow our economies and strengthen our partnerships.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Quick Facts

  • The Group of Seven (G7) comprises seven of the world’s advanced economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

  • The G7 dates back to the mid-1970s. The G7 presidency, which rotates annually between member countries, sets the agenda for the year in consultation with G7 partners. Italy holds the presidency in 2017, and Canada will hold it in 2018.

Contacts

Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @MinisterISED

Karl W. Sasseville
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

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