Federal Policy in Natural Resources
Natural Resources Canada
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has created an innovation policy
framework that calls for the creation and sharing of scientific research,
training and attracting skilled knowledge individuals, support for
commercialization, and business/market development. NRCan asserts that the
overall level of Canadas innovation will be strengthened by solutions
from the resource sector.
Canada's high amount of natural resources has allowed the country to
become one of the worlds most successful economies. Currently, in 2003,
the natural resources sector is a major contributor to innovation in the
country, spending more than $34 billion per year on advanced
technology and related fields. Their expenditures account for 22 percent
of Canada's expenditure on research and developmentmore than any other
sector of the Canadian economy. According to NRCan, the application of
innovative ideas and technologies will result in social, economic,
environmental, health and social benefits, ensuring a high quality of
life for all Canadians.
The opportunities for growth in resource-related areas are very promising.
Paper and paperboard products is expected to grow by 40 percent by 2010, geomatics industries are expanding by approximately 20 percent per year, oilsands production is expected to increase by 50 percent per year between
2001 and 2004, and robotics in the mining industry is expected to grow by as
much as 50 percent per year. NRCan argues that Canada can benefit greatly
from these innovative opportunities by investing in research and
development in these fields.
NRCan's vision for Canada is to transform the country's natural resource
industries into a world leader in production, using sophisticated
techniques to ensure maximum efficiency. Alongside increasing levels of
production comes sustainable development. NRCan envisions Canada at the
forefront of environmental conservation resulting from investments in
research and development. This long-term strategy ensures Canada will
remain a world leader in natural resources, both protecting the
environment and utilizing the countrys resources as efficiently as
possible.
NRCan devotes an estimated two-thirds of its expenditures to science and
technology research. These science and technology activities are essential
for the sustainable development of Canadas resources. NRCan works in
partnership with industry, government departments, aboriginal groups and
university researchers across the country to ensure that both economic and
environmental factors are being considered in all decisions.
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