Canada shows global leadership on innovation at G7 Industry and ICT Ministers' Meeting

Minister Bains highlights Canada's commitment to jobs, skills and business growth during talks in Italy

OTTAWA, Sept. 27, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is positioning Canada as a world leader in innovation through the Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy aimed at ensuring that Canada meets the challenges and seizes the opportunities of the modern and global economy. As a result of this plan and multilateral economic cooperation, middle-class Canadians and the international community will benefit from more jobs, skills and business opportunities.

That was the message delivered by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, at the G7 Industry and ICT Ministers' Meeting held in Turin, Italy, on September 25 and 26. The ministers discussed issues concerning small and medium-sized enterprises, competitiveness, high-tech ecosystems, cybersecurity cooperation, artificial intelligence and intellectual property rights.

While in Italy, the Minister also advocated for Canada's values of diversity and inclusion. Through the Innovation and Skills Plan, our government is working tirelessly to promote Canada as an ideal destination for global businesses to invest, while helping Canadian companies to scale up and succeed in the global economy. Canada's values of openness, diversity and inclusion are a big part of that plan. Our open society has attracted countless innovators and entrepreneurs who have found in Canada a place to fulfill their potential. We are a stronger country as a result. Diversity is our strength, and we're committed to playing a leadership role in promoting it on the world stage.

During separate meetings with his G7 counterparts and Italian business leaders, the Minister promoted Canada's value proposition and emphasized the importance of multilateralism, economic cooperation and free trade for businesses to grow and create more jobs for the middle class in all G7 countries.

The G7 Industry and ICT Ministers' Meeting provided an opportunity for the world's most advanced economies to come together and collaborate to improve conditions for innovation and to grow the middle class.

In 2018, Canada will hold the G7 presidency, providing an opportunity to further showcase the country's commitment to innovation and economic growth.

Quote

"I had very productive discussions with my G7 counterparts on jobs, economic growth, skills and business opportunities. Our government is deepening its global economic relationships to develop new markets and opportunities for Canadian businesses and create more jobs for middle-class Canadians. Our values of diversity, openness and inclusion give Canadians a competitive edge in a global economy that depends on people's ability to navigate through different cultures and languages, and I'm proud to promote these values at home and abroad. I look forward to continuing to work with the international community when Canada takes on the G7 presidency in 2018."
? The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Quick facts

• The Group of Seven (G7) comprises seven of the world's advanced economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.
• The G7 dates back to the mid-1970s. The G7 presidency, which rotates annually between member countries, sets the agenda for the year in consultation with G7 partners. Italy holds the presidency in 2017, and Canada will hold it in 2018.

Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @MinisterISED

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada