Innovation review receives 12.5B in requests

The federal government’s science-based departments and agencies have up with at least $12.5 billion (and reportedly as high as $20 billion) in requests as part of an Industry Canada-led process to develop a national vision and strategy on innovation. The pending Innovation White Paper is considered a key pillar in that process. A draft document obtained by Decima Publishing reveals that information, communications and technology (ICT) initiatives are a priority for several departments, particularly Industry Canada. The department has tabled a $1.8-billion multi-year wish list of 20 items – the single largest request is for up to $740 million for biotechnology initiatives. The list includes funding for a review of the foreign ownership restrictions, across several industry sectors. Amending the Telecommunications Act and other legislation is also included among Industry Canada’s priorities. Industry Canada ($1.8 billion +)$100M: ICT research: develop a national research strategy (surveys, benchmarking, implications)$35M: E-commerce: provide policy leadership, encourage business adoption, establish e-corps internships through the Student Connections program, and establish a Hotline for reporting illegal Internet content$520M: E-learning: establish an online learning service, provide universities & colleges with broadband access, support learning research, fund online learning content and promote interoperable standards$96M: Fund 8 new demonstration projects for Smart Communities$56M: Sustain core funding for Vol-Net$32M: Framework Policies: amend Patent Act, Trademarks Act, Copyright Act, Telecommunications Act. Develop new standards and voluntary codes to enhance the effectiveness of existing regulatory approaches, influence the development of domestic and international standards and codes, and promote the better use of standards and codes.$54M: Investment: create a seamless Can-US border (common standards and physical infrastructure); improve regulatory frameworks, including a review of the foreign ownership restrictions; and brand Canada using international branding campaigns, alumni networks, Investment Team Canada missions and by leveraging global events and networks.$?: 9,000 international and domestic ICT internships$?: Digital Collections Program$?: High-speed broadband to all Canadian communities$?: National roll-out of Access.ca$?: Sustain core funding for SchoolNet and Community Access Program (CAP) Canadian Heritage ($400 million)$190M: New media: support digitization of Canadian cultural content, develop online gateways, develop tools to facilitate content creation, and provide incentives for new media creation. Canadian Space Agency ($1.6 billion) $85M: Participate in the European Global Navigation Satellite System and Galileo program to develop next-gen GPS system with important transportation and communication applications.$135M: Develop advanced multimedia satellite space technologies and applications including affordable broadband community services.$210M: Implement the most advanced commercial space borne land information and mapping system by building and launching the RADARSAT-3 satellite. Justice ($100 million)$1M/year: Secure remote access to Justice’s network$1.8M: Migrate Justice’s case management systems to be web-based$5.5M: Launch a 3-year research intiative on justice reform issues. Create a website to access the outcome of the research and provide a forum for international exchange on justice reform matters. Environment ($725 million) $120M: Develop a Canadian Information System for the Environment. Involves establishing data exchange networks, creating a portal and establishing a Centre for Environmental Statistics. Transport Canada ($160 million)$30M: Establish a network of automated weather reporting stations across the National Highway System. Would optimize winter maintenance activities and travel information for motorists.$15M: Create a ‘511’ phone and online system providing traveller information.$7.5M: Stimulate the development of intelligent transportation system technologies. Source: Innovation White Paper Proposals, draft document, obtained by Decima Publishing Inc.

Innovation review receives 12.5B in requests

News | 06/04/2001 4:00 am EDT

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