FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE STEPPED-UP COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION REQUIRED - Canada25 encourages federal government to act swiftly on its pledge to build an innovative society - OTTAWA (February 12, 2002) Canada25, a non-partisan organization dedicated to revitalizing the role of 20 to 30-year-old Canadians in our country's political debate, applauds the Government of Canada's green paper on innovation as an early step toward the development of a more innovative society. At the same time, Canada25 stresses that the development of a culture of innovation will require concrete plans, high-profile initiatives and a strong commitment from all levels of government. "The Canadian government's goal of building an innovative society for the future is one shared by Canada25, as articulated in our recent report A New Magnetic North," said Alison Loat, executive director, Canada25. "In order to accelerate this process, we suggest that the government involve the people who will fuel this drive for innovation - Canada's young academic, business and social innovators - in the development and implementation process." In July 2001, Canada25 published A New Magnetic North: How Canada can Attract and Retain Young Talent. It examines the issue of talent attraction and innovation in a variety of spheres, including academia and research, healthcare, the arts, business and entrepreneurship, and the public and voluntary sectors. The report concluded that, regardless of the sector, Canada must encourage and support a culture of innovation to ensure it charts a successful economic and social path to the future. Canada25 believes that, by launching one or two high profile initiatives, the government could demonstrate a clear and early commitment to the principles outlined in this green paper. A New Magnetic North outlines the following examples: The Prime Minister's Fellows: "Rather than copying an existing scholarship or award system, Canada should develop a unique new program to support and recognize top young Canadian innovators and their path-breaking work in all walks of life," said John McArthur, a Canada25 contributor. In addition to receiving monetary support to pursue new innovations in their respective fields, the Fellows would be recognized at an annual high-profile event hosted by the Prime Minister and would receive one-year postings as "innovation advisors" to the public service. This would be an easy way for the government to signal to the world that it is serious about fostering a nationwide culture of innovation and likewise to invest in some of Canada's most promising young talent. Structured networks with Canadians living abroad: Canada has a tremendous untapped resource in its citizens who are achieving countless successes in their endeavours around the world. Even if these citizens don't live in Canada, they need to become more integrated with Canada's new innovation agenda. "By building more systematic links between Canada and its ex-pats, Canada will widen its circle of opportunities. This will enable vastly more learning from and collaboration with initiatives outside the country. Importantly, it will also keep expatriates abreast of opportunities at home," said Loat. "We hope that the government will implement several such initiatives in the short term, while also involving young Canadians in the long-term innovation-development process," said Loat. "We know from our work that young Canadians have many innovative ideas and a real interest in helping the government make our country strong." The Government of Canada, through its green paper on innovation, has committed itself to charting a long-term path for the future of Canada. In doing so, Canada25 encourages close involvement with the entrepreneurs and innovators who will be leading this innovation agenda into the next generation. Canada25, with an organization across the country and membership from around the world, wants to work with the government and other stakeholders to help them achieve their policy objectives. About Canada25 Canada25 is a non-partisan voluntary organization dedicated to revitalizing the role of 20 to 30-year-old Canadians in our country's political debate. In May 2001, the organization brought together an outstanding group of young Canadians from around the world to address the question: "How can Canada attract and retain talent?" The results were published in July 2001 under the title A New Magnetic North. Further information about the organization, including a copy of A New Magnetic North, is available at http://www.canada25.com/. - 30 - For further information, please contact: Alison Loat Executive Director, Canada25 Tel: 416.313.3884 aloat@canada25.com Canada25 Media Centre