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OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 03/07/13 -- The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today wrapped up his three-day visit to Belgium, during which he took part in EU Science: Global Challenges, Global Collaboration, an international conference aimed at developing scientific responses to challenges faced by countries around the world.

"Canada and Europe are natural partners and collaborators, in part because we share common values and priorities," said Minister of State Goodyear. "Like Europe, Canada has innovative programs and policies, world-class researchers and a willingness to address global challenges through science and technology."

During his visit, the Minister of State gave opening remarks on the first day of the conference, and later delivered a keynote address on international collaboration for global capacity building. In his remarks, he underscored the importance of supporting research partnerships as a means of promoting innovation and economic growth. He also participated in several meetings with science and technology leaders from around the world.

Since 2006, the Harper Government has invested nearly $8 billion in initiatives supporting science, technology and the growth of innovation firms in Canada, including $5 billion for advanced research, education and training; $2 billion for post-secondary infrastructure; and $1 billion for applied research and financing. This funding has helped to make Canada a world leader in post-secondary education research and to create the knowledge and highly skilled workforce that are required for a more prosperous economy.

As outlined by the Prime Minister, the Harper Government remains focused on what Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and their personal financial security.

For more information on Canada-EU relations, visit the Mission of Canada to the European Union website.

For more information on the Government of Canada's science and technology initiatives, visit the Science and Technology for Canadians website.



Contacts:
Michele-Jamali Paquette
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
613-947-2956

Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502