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Canada and U.S. to Explore New Opportunities in Science and Technology
April 8, 1997
Washington, D.C.
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien announced today that Canada
and the United States will explore new opportunities for cooperating
in science and technology projects.
"This cooperation should lead to increased economic growth
and competitiveness in both countries," said the Prime Minister
after his meeting with U.S. President Bill Clinton in Washington.
"It will benefit both countries in advancing scientific knowledge
and improving the quality of life. These are the principal themes
of the government of Canada's science and technology strategy."
The areas of collaboration include:
- The GLOBE program. Canada and the U.S. have signed a Memorandum
of Understanding to cooperate in this international environmental
science and education program that links students, educators,
and scientists around the world in studying the global environment;
- Next-generation internet links. CANARIE (Canada) of Ottawa and
the National Science Foundation (NSF) of the U.S. plan to connect
advanced computer networks in the U.S. and Canada. That would
increase collaboration in areas such as tele-medicine, distance
education, and multi-media. CANARIE is a not-for-profit corporation
created to support research on advanced information networks in
Canada while NSF is a U.S. government agency which funds science
and engineering research;
- Advanced manufacturing technologies. The National Research Council
in Canada and the National Science Foundation of the U.S. will
explore opportunities to cooperate on new production technologies
to help industries in the two countries become more competitive;
- A Polar Cap Observatory. Canada and the U.S. are discussing
setting up a new research installation at Resolute Bay in the
Northwest Territories to study solar effects on the upper atmosphere
and the ionosphere. Canadian and U.S. scientists would collaborate
and share data over the next 20 years. The project is led by the
U.S. National Science Foundation with support from the Canadian
Space Agency.; and
- Earth sciences cooperation. The Geological Survey of Canada
and the U.S. Geological Survey are renewing a framework agreement
for exchanging scientific and technical knowledge and conducting
cooperative research activities.
As well, the Advisory Council on Science and Technology in Canada
and the President's Committee of Advisers on Science and Technology
in the U.S. will examine ways to improve exchange of analysis
and information in areas related to science and technology policies.
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
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