The Honourable John Wilkinson Makes his Final Speech as Research and Innovation Minister With Economic Club - Economic Club of Canada

Four years ago Premier Dalton McGuinty had the vision to create the first stand-alone ministry in Canada dedicated to research and innovation. Today, the Ontario Innovation Agenda is backed by $3.2-billion and focused on three areas where Ontario has a global competitive advantage:  Life Sciences and Health Technologies; the Bio-economy and Clean Technologies; and Digital, Information and Communications Technologies. As a result of this unprecedented commitment, Ontario is not only in the innovation game – we’re in the lead.

What’s Next

Now, to build on our lead we have to work together to “up” our game.  That means setting a clear direction, focusing our efforts, and building on our regional strengths. It also means breaking down silos, better connecting the ideas generated in our colleges and universities with industry, and doing more to reward collaboration.  Most importantly, it means doing more to support people across our province in their efforts to turn great Ontario ideas into great Ontario businesses.

Ontario’s Game Plan