Benefits to Canadians

University-based research infuses and informs all aspects of our lives. It tells us who we are, where we’ve been, and where we want to go as a society. It explains the world around us, from the shape of our environment to the structure of our communities. It improves our understanding of the physical universe and of the nature of culture, conflict and disease.

Perhaps most importantly though, there is growing recognition in Canada and around the world, that a country’s capacity for research and innovation is intimately tied to economic prosperity and therefore, the well-being of its citizens.

 

What others are saying about the importance of university research:

“Syncrude operates in a knowledge-based industry. It’s scientists and engineers – intellect not muscle – that have separated the oil from the sand and made an otherwise useless resource hugely valuable.”

Eric Newell, Former Chairman and CEO, Syncrude Canada Ltd.

“Investment in higher education has among the highest pay-offs of any investment government can make in improving economic growth.”

Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Towards Canada’s Prosperity: Tackling the Barriers to Productivity Growth

“We believe that investing in education and workforce development may be the single most important thing that communities and countries can do to compete successfully in today’s global economy.”

Steve Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft Corp.

“Canada’s at the forefront of research that directly helps kids in schools across Canada. The benefits of this research are enormous. It results in the constant improvement of human capital within Canadian society.”

Chris Kelly, Superintendent of Schools, Vancouver School Board

“Research and development is the hope for the future. The hope for the future in health, the hope for the future in economic development. My dream is to see Canada be the first nation to beat diabetes.”

Dr. David Hill, Board of Directors, Canadian Diabetes Association

“Our social and institutional capital – education system, academic research, social services, and governance – are clear strengths. We need to keep them strong.”

Paul Johnston, President and CEO, Precarn Inc.

“Today there is growing evidence that the only lasting competitive advantage in our global economy lies in creating superior abilities in our workforce.”

Tim Hearn, Chairman, president and chief executive officer, Imperial Oil Limited