Summary

At the recent Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC) conference, Conservative MP Michael Guglielmin (Markham—Woodbridge) delivered remarks on behalf of the Official Opposition. Drawing on his 20 years of executive experience in the steel industry, Mr. Guglielmin addressed the conference theme, “Towards a Resilient Future for Canada,” arguing that Canada’s approach to public policy has been historically reactive and must shift to being proactive and innovative to meet modern geopolitical challenges.

Mr. Guglielmin emphasized that innovation is now central to both economic prosperity and national security, citing the global race for leadership in AI, quantum technologies, and critical minerals. He outlined a vision where Canada moves from consuming technology to designing it, ensuring national sovereignty and competitiveness.

His proposed strategy focuses on four key areas: connecting the innovation ecosystem to move ideas faster; creating coherent and predictable public policy; focusing investment on long-term capabilities; and equipping the workforce with a broad spectrum of skills, from scientists to skilled tradespeople. He concluded by stressing that while Canada possesses the necessary ingredients—world-class researchers and institutions—the current system is overly complex. Success requires better coordination, streamlined governance, and a commitment to measuring real-world outcomes to maintain public trust.

Detailed Summary of Remarks

Introduction and Context

• Speaker & Background: MP Michael Guglielmin, a member of the Standing Committee on Industry and Technology. He brings two years of experience as a steel industry executive to his role in public policy.
• Role of CSPC: He praised the CSPC for creating a neutral forum that connects diverse groups—scientists, entrepreneurs, and elected officials—allowing them to think seriously about the country’s future.

The Imperative for Resilience

• Shift to Proactivity: Canada’s public policy has been too reactive; the country must innovate to meet future challenges.
• Geopolitical Stakes: Global instability has forced countries to rethink resilience, leading to heavy investments in scientific bases and supply chain capacity to protect sovereignty.
• Tech as Security: Leadership in technologies like AI, advanced manufacturing, and secure communications now defines international politics. Countries that develop these tools set the global rules.

Strategic Pillars for Mobilizing Innovation

MP Guglielmin outlined four specific goals to strengthen resilience:

1. Connect the Ecosystem: Better linkage is needed so ideas move faster and further between researchers and industry.
2. Coherent Policy: Public policy must be more predictable and accountable.
3. Focused Investment: Investments should target capabilities essential for long-term security and prosperity.
4. Talent Development: Canada must equip its people with the skills necessary to contribute.

Barriers and Systemic Challenges

• “Maze vs. Runway”: The current innovation system is described as a “maze” of administrative requirements where ideas often stall. It needs to become a “runway” that creates a clear path for ideas to reach the market.
• Commercialization Gap: While Canada has strong public institutions and ideas, it struggles to translate them into scaled-up companies and productivity gains.
• Business Environment: A lack of private sector R&D investment is driven by an unpredictable environment. Investors need efficient regulation, competitive tax structures, and policy stability.

Human Capital and Workforce

• Broad View of Talent: The definition of “talent” must expand beyond scientists to include the skilled tradespeople (welders, machinists, technicians) who build and maintain infrastructure.
• Mobility and Recognition: Barriers preventing qualified people (including newcomers) from working in their fields should be reduced, and credential mobility across provinces must improve.

Defense and Security Integration

• Dual-Use Technology: The line between civilian and defense technology is blurring, with innovations like AI and autonomous systems being vital to both.
• Procurement Reform: Canada should link defense needs with domestic innovation capacity, allowing Canadian companies to test and scale solutions via government procurement.
• Strategic Infrastructure: Investments in defense infrastructure (e.g., ports in the North) can reinforce civilian research and economic development.

Governance and Accountability

• Public Trust: Canadians support research funding but expect transparency, efficiency, and “value for money” in return.
• Focus on Results: Programs must deliver tangible outcomes—jobs, products, and capabilities—rather than just press releases.
• Role of Parliament: It is the duty of parliamentarians to “follow the money” and ensure programs work effectively on the ground, removing duplication and overlap.

Conclusion

• Call to Action: Canada has the necessary ingredients (top-tier researchers, entrepreneurs) to succeed. The path forward requires stronger links between policymakers and innovators and a commitment to aligning science with national strategy.