Notes for an address by

The Honourable Carol Skelton, P.C., M.P.
Minister of National Revenue and
Western Economic Diversification Canada

TRLabs Funding Renewal

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
December 18, 2006

Corresponding Document: News Release (2006-12-18)
Alberta | Saskatchewan | Manitoba

Check Against Delivery .

Thank you David (MC, David Milne, TRLabs director). Minister Cline.  Mr. Wittal (Kym, TRLabs Chair).  Honoured guests.

I’m so excited to be back here at the University of Saskatchewan.  Every time I visit the U of S you have something exciting going on.  Last time I was here I almost froze, but it was worth it because the Huskies almost won another Vanier Cup. The Huskies are a great team and they’ll win it next year.

Today’s a great day because researchers at universities and labs across the country are teaming up to keep Canada at the front of the pack.

Our new government is working hard to help them create opportunity in a strong economy.  My own department of Western Economic Diversification Canada is encouraging this region’s explosive growth as it drives the Canadian economy.

WD has a revitalized vision.  I have been consulting with our stakeholders across Western Canada and, I can report that there is a strong consensus that we must focus on economic fundamentals … on building a more prosperous West. We’re building a knowledge-based economy; an economy built on a foundation of research and development; an economy where bright ideas are commercialized to create quality products and opportunities for Canadians. That’s the kind of forward thinking behind today’s event.

I’m pleased to announce our new government is investing ten million dollars ($10M) in TRLabs over the next five years. This announcement represents real teamwork and I’d like to thank provincial governments from Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan for getting behind this.

I’d also like to thank the many industry partners that are lending a hand.

TRLabs is Canada’s largest and most successful non-for-profit research consortium for information and communications technology. With five labs in Western Canada, TRLabs creates exciting new opportunities for university professors, grad students, researchers and industrial partners. We’ve got two of those labs here in Saskatchewan with one at the University of Regina and the other right here at the U of S.

Today’s investment will put almost two million dollars ($2M) into these two Saskatchewan facilities. Canada’s new government is proud to take a leadership role as Saskatchewan plays an important part in this innovative partnership. TRLabs is a key player in the communications and information technologies industry. It’s the kind of knowledge-based research that keeps us competitive and creates jobs throughout Canada.

These initiatives are producing results right here in Saskatchewan. Let me give you a few examples.

• TRLab teamed with U of S researchers to use synchrotron technology at the Canadian Light Source to create new micro and nano scaled devices.
• TRLabs is delivering results to rural communities as well.
• It has developed Fiberlink technology that pumps high-speed Internet through existing phone lines to give rural areas new access to the power of the Web.

Through TRLabs, Saskatchewan has developed 23 patents. That research has produced 12 cutting-edge, commercialized technologies that are driving industry and creating opportunities for Canadians. And the work TRLabs is doing has not gone unnoticed. The Regina Chamber of Commerce honoured TRLabs with their Paragon Award of Innovation to recognize cutting-edge work on real-time collaboration across networks.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is focused on exactly the kind of work TRLabs is doing. This is a perfect example of our new vision in action. WD is becoming more accountable, more focused on measurable results, and more committed to creating opportunities for Canadians.

In fact, Canada’s new government is focusing on the priorities that matter most to Canadians.

• We’re making government more accountable;
• We’re delivering tax relief and lowering the national debt.
• We’re investing in our men and women in uniform to ensure they can stand up for freedom and democracy at home and around the world;
• And we’re ensuring our children have clear air to breath.

That’s what we’re doing right now, and we have a comprehensive plan for the future as well. We are working to put Canada at the forefront of today’s global economy by ensuring the world’s best and brightest find a home right here.  TRLabs is certainly part in that plan.

TRLabs provide assistance and practical experience to more than 150 masters and PhD students right here in Saskatchewan last year.   Those students, along with their hard work and research, will ensure Canada’s future is full of opportunity and prosperity.

On behalf of my department of Western Economic Diversification and Canada’s new government, I’d like to again congratulate TRLabs.  You’re doing exciting work and I wish you every success in the future.

Thank you.