Speaking Points
The Honourable Gary Goodyear, PC, MP
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
Waterloo, Ontario
September 21, 2012
Check Against Delivery
Good morning. It is an honour and a privilege to be here with you today, and I'd like to thank the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) for inviting me.
It is also an honour, as the Canadian Minister of State for Science and Technology, to take the stage immediately after Dr. Stephen Hawking, one of the world's most acclaimed physicists, who plays a much valued role as distinguished research chair at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. Thank you, Dr. Hawking, for being here today.
I'd like to take a brief moment to recognize my colleague Peter Braid, the MP for Kitchener–Waterloo. Peter is an outstanding MP who works tirelessly to bring his constituents' concerns forward in Ottawa.
Let me begin by congratulating the Institute on 10 years of world-class interdisciplinary research—basic science at its best. The outstanding scientists that have come together in this facility have changed the world we live in and are contributing toward many of the century's first quantum technologies.
IQC researchers recently participated in a record-breaking experiment: quantum teleportation over a distance of 143 kilometres—the farthest distance ever achieved. The Institute is part of a global effort to develop a quantum internet, where the exchange of information between computers would be far more secure and efficient than ever before.
The Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre was built to carry the IQC, the University of Waterloo and Canada to new scientific heights. I am delighted to play a role in the opening of a facility of such promise.
The investment—personal as well as financial—that Mike Lazaridis has made to the IQC and to the advancement of Canadian science and technology (S&T) is well-known. Let's take a moment to salute not only Mike but also Governor General David Johnston and Dr. Ray Laflamme for their vision and perseverance to build this facility that will attract stellar researchers from across the globe.
Science, technology and innovation are critical to our economy. Not only do they lead to great findings for the benefit of society, but they also are the foundation for productivity, competitiveness, job growth and economic expansion.
For this reason, our government has laid the groundwork to leverage the benefits of scientific innovation. Guided by our S&T strategy, we have strengthened three key elements: developing and recruiting world-leading research talent, modernizing research infrastructure across the country, and stimulating private sector innovation.
As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Harper Government provided a $50-million grant to the IQC, $25 million of which supported the construction of the Quantum-Nano Centre that we are celebrating today. This investment underlined the importance that our government places on supporting basic research and strengthening Canada's research capacity.
It was a major investment. But it wasn't the only one, not by a long shot.
In 2005–06, before our government took office, federal spending on S&T was $9.4 billion. For 2012–13, our S&T investments are projected to be nearly $11 billion. That's a significant increase in funding for science, technology and innovation, which includes $3 billion for R&D expenditures in the higher-education sector.
In fact, when measuring higher-education research spending as a percentage of GDP, Canada ranks ahead of all other countries in the G7.
And we are continuing to invest in state-of-the-art research infrastructure, such as the facility we find ourselves in today. Economic Action Plan 2012 announced $500 million for the Canada Foundation for Innovation to support new competitions for research infrastructure at post-secondary institutions across Canada.
And we won't stop there. Look around you: we have an architecturally stunning showpiece where scientific collaboration can lead us to amazing new breakthroughs.
Our government supports science and technology. We believe in fostering innovation and inventiveness because they lead to eye-opening discoveries, economic growth and long-term prosperity. No one understands this better than our prime minister.
Congratulations again to everyone involved with the new Quantum-Nano Centre. Good luck to you all as you continue your work.
