Saturday, November 21, 2009

Policy Briefing: Innovation

Nov 16, 2009
The Hill Times
http://www.thehilltimes.ca/section/pb/download/1258347600

Postdocs on a pittance

Rewards are few for postdocs in Canada, says survey
Nov 18, 2009
Nature
http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/2009/091119/full/nj7271-375c.html

Spread the Research Wealth

Innovation comes from many actors, both big and small. We need to properly fund all of them.
Nov 16, 2009
Chris Evans
The Mark
http://www.themarknews.com/articles/679-spread-the-research-wealth
Nov 15, 2009
Howard Woodhouse
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/725695--corporatized-universities-devalue-education
When political leaders ignore scientific evidence on controversial topics, such as harm reduction and safe-injection sites, scientists are obliged to speak out, says Dr. Thomas Kerr, director of the Urban Health Research Initiative in British Columbia.
Nov 20, 2009
Ann Silversides
CMAJ
http://www.cmaj.ca/earlyreleases/20nov09_advocates_silversides.shtml
Science Minister Gary Goodyear says the federal government knows Canada is No. 1 in many areas, but not in competitiveness and has made it a priority to reverse the trend.
Nov 16, 2009
The Hill Times
http://hilltimes.com/page/view/pb_goodyear-11-16-2009
If you're a nation looking to build a knowledge economy, you need knowledge workers, and plenty of them.
Nov 16, 2009
ARVIND GUPTA
The Hill Times
http://hilltimes.com/page/view/pb_gupta-11-16-2009
The challenge for Canada's S&T enterprise is to enhance both relationships, and to move past debates on the value of basic and applied research. Without both, Canada's innovation system will continue to underperform.
Nov 16, 2009
ELIOT A. PHILLIPSON
The Hill Times
http://hilltimes.com/page/view/pb_phillipson-11-16-2009
There are two discrete areas in the enterprise of science and technology where public involvement is most feasible, and each addresses an issue of great interest to the public. One is how to set scientific goals; the other is how to manage scientific risk.
Nov 16, 2009
MARC SANER
The Hill Times
http://hilltimes.com/page/view/pb_saner-11-16-2009
No other modern jurisdiction subjects its development of sustained and effective investment in research and scholarship to the vicissitudes of politics and government transition than Canada and its provinces seem to thrive on. This brings about stuttering.
Nov 16, 2009
HEATHER MUNROE-BLUM
The Hill Times
http://hilltimes.com/page/view/pb_munroe_blum-11-16-2009
It is to the benefit of science and society to engage the public in supporting and questioning scientific knowledge. But the very engagement unsettles the current boundaries between what is considered valid knowledge and what is not.
Nov 16, 2009
ELANA BRIEF
The Hill Times
http://hilltimes.com/page/view/pb_brief-11-16-2009
SSHRC is working shoulder-to-shoulder with researchers and partners across all sectors of society to fuel innovation, bolster economic recovery, increase resiliency, and enhance Canada's place in the world by building a successful society for the 21st century.
Nov 16, 2009
CHAD GAFFIELD
The Hill Times
http://hilltimes.com/page/view/pb_gaffield-11-16-2009
Canada is still in the bottom half of OECD countries when it comes to innovation and both businesses and governments should be looking at different ways to tap into global innovation opportunities, say top experts.
Nov 16, 2009
BEA VONGDOUANGCHANH
The Hill Times
http://hilltimes.com/page/view/pb_global_innovation-11-16-2009
We must improve the science literacy in our foreign relations and enhance the knowledge and interest of our science community on the importance of statecraft.
Nov 16, 2009
PAUL DUFOUR
The Hill Times
http://hilltimes.com/page/view/pb_dufour-11-16-2009
The knowledge transfer between research and its beneficiaries, advocates, and stakeholders is essential to protect project development and stimulate innovation at a time when it is most needed.
Nov 16, 2009
KATHLEEN BLOOM
The Hill Times
http://hilltimes.com/page/view/pb_bloom-11-16-2009
We need to develop a political culture that is proactive, not reactive—one that understands the value of sound science policy.
Nov 16, 2009
ROBERT MANN
The Hill Times
http://hilltimes.com/page/view/pb_mann-11-16-2009
The interface between democracy and science has always been a complex and problematic one, which, to be properly understood, must be situated in relation to a third concept, which is nonviolence.
Nov 16, 2009
RAMIN JAHANBEGLOO
http://hilltimes.com/page/view/pb_jahanbegloo-11-16-2009
'I still dream science,' says 1986 chemistry Prize winner John Polanyi who's now tackling nanotechnology
Nov 21, 2009
Joseph Hall
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/sciencetech/science/article/728911--not-resting-on-his-nobel-laurels
American negotiator says climate control proposal could be released within days
Nov 21, 2009
Robert Benzie
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/sciencetech/environment/article/728904--canada-welcomes-u-s-move-to-set-a-target-for-cutting-gas-emissions
Linamar joins pack of companies retooling to build the gear that drives wind and solar energy
Nov 21, 2009
Tyler Hamilton
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/business/article/728855--auto-parts-makers-transform-into-green-machines

What she didn't ask

CBC’s Anna Maria Tremonti had tough questions for me this week, but none for a global warming propagandist
Nov 21, 2009
Lawrence Solomon
Financial Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fpcomment/archive/2009/11/21/lawrence-solomon-what-she-didn-t-ask.aspx

Asian carp close to Great Lakes

Nov 20, 2009
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/11/20/tech-fish-asian-carp.html
Nov 20, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/11/20/tech-environment-cigarette-butt.html
Nov 20, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/11/20/tech-physics-large-hadron-collider.html
Nov 20, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/11/20/h1n1-world.html

Fewer Paps OK for women in 20s

Nov 20, 2009
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/11/20/pap-tests-20s.html
Nov 20, 2009
Kevin Gaudet and Maureen Bader
National Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/11/20/kevin-guadet-and-maureen-bader-show-leadership-reject-copenhagen.aspx
Nov 19, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/11/19/h1n1-asthma.html
Nov 19, 2009
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/11/19/h1n1-vaccine.html

A load of Hoggan-wash

The CBC has joined James Hoggan's smear campaign against climate skeptics
Nov 19, 2009
Peter Foster
Financial Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fpcomment/archive/2009/11/19/peter-foster-a-load-of-hoggan-wash.aspx
Nov 19, 2009
Margaret Munro
Canwest News Service
http://www2.canada.com/topics/technology/science/story.html?id=2242554
Canadians' taste for salt is to blame for excessive sodium in our food products, major manufacturers have told a parliamentary committee
Nov 19, 2009
Carly Weeks
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/special-reports/hard-to-shake/canadians-want-salt-food-makers-tell-mps/article1370251/
Nov 19, 2009
Andy Blatchford
The Canadian Press
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gGGWX9LoqieCq279vnOcfIRxU7zA

Sell AECL to India

Canada wants to sell CANDU nuclear reactors to India. A better idea is to sell India the whole company
Nov 19, 2009
Ron Banerjee
Financial Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fpcomment/archive/2009/11/19/sell-aecl-to-india.aspx
Nov 19, 2009
Sheldon Alberts
National Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/11/19/sheldon-alberts-saskatchewan-finds-ready-ear-in-washington-for-carbon-capture-pitch.aspx
Nov 19, 2009
Nicholas Hirst
Winnipeg Free Press
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/you-first-stance-on-climate-change-killing-canadas-credibility-70447877.html

Tuna fishing: Changing tides

The bluefin tuna is still being managed badly. A trade ban is on the cards
Nov 19, 2009
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/sciencetechnology/displayStory.cfm?story_id=14902743
The search continues for a pill that will lift a woman’s libido
Nov 19, 2009
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/sciencetechnology/displayStory.cfm?story_id=14902735

Smog clouds Montrealers' commute

Nov 19, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/11/19/montreal-smog.html
Nov 18, 2009
Cassandra Kyle
Saskatoon StarPhoenix
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Biofuel+push+leads+world+hunger+economist+says/2238202/story.html
Chinese trade barriers appear prompted by health and safety issues, but industry insiders blame protectionism
Nov 18, 2009
Paul Waldie and Jessica Leeder
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/canadian-farmers-face-canola-crisis/article1368984/
Nov 18, 2009
The Canadian Press
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/11/18/birth-defects-avoidable.html
Nov 18, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/11/18/population-report.html

Does cancer screening do harm?

Over-diagnosis has plenty of side effects – needless surgery and trauma, emotional anguish, wasted money and resources
Nov 18, 2009
Margaret Wente
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/does-cancer-screening-do-harm/article1368759/
We need to show the world we take our standing seriously
Nov 18, 2009
John Drexhage
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/how-canada-can-restore-its-reputation-on-climate-change/article1368818/
Reese Halter explains their rapid decline, and why it stings
Nov 18, 2009
Reese Halter
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/why-honeybees-are-falling-through-the-cracks/article1368714/
Failure at Copenhagen summit would further delay release of Canadian regulations, Ottawa says
Nov 17, 2009
Shawn McCarthy and Mark MacKinnon
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/obama-revives-hope-for-climate-accord/article1367352/
Calgary-based group runs campaign claim the planet has actually been becoming cooler in the past 10 years
Nov 17, 2009
Martin Mittelstaedt
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ad-campaign-takes-aim-at-climate-change/article1367291/

An injection of H1N1 reason

Nov 17, 2009
Joe Schwarcz
National Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/11/17/joe-schwarcz-an-injection-of-h1n1-reason.aspx

The rise of slime

Warmer water is exacerbating problems in the oceans
Nov 17, 2009
From Economist
http://www.economist.com/world/international/displayStory.cfm?story_id=14897220

New drug boosts women's sex drive

Nov 17, 2009
Takara Small
special to CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/11/17/women-sex-drive-new-drug.html
Nov 17, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/11/17/mammograms-women40s.html
Nov 17, 2009
Dr. Stephen Murgatroyd
Troy Media
http://www.troymedia.com/?p=5905
Nov 17, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/11/17/tech-carbon-emissions.html
Nov 17, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/11/17/pei-entegrity-no-loan-584.html
Nov 17, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/11/17/quebec-composting-green-waste.html
Nov 17, 2009
The Associated Press
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/11/17/climate-change-denmark.html
Nov 17, 2009
The Gazette
http://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/editorials/Climate+accord+going+take+time/2231167/story.html
Nov 17, 2009
John Geddes
Macleans
http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/11/17/climate-change-weak-words-strong-pictures/
Nov 17, 2009
Mike De Souza
Canwest News Service
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Environmental+accord+possible+next+month+Prentice/2232744/story.html
Nov 17, 2009
Susan Lunn
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/politics/story/2009/11/17/greenhouse-gases-prentice.html
Prentice stresses ‘continental' approach as he announces delay, which could stretch into late 2010
Nov 17, 2009
Shawn McCarthy
The Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-holds-back-climate-rules-pending-global-deal/article1366491/
Nov 17, 2009
ROY CLANCY
Calgary Sun
http://www.calgarysun.com/comment/editorial/2009/11/17/11771771-sun.html
Prentice tells meeting of environment ministers that Ottawa waiting to coordinate policies with U.S.
Nov 17, 2009
Allan Woods
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/726770--canada-s-carbon-plan-delayed-again

No need for defeatism

Nov 17, 2009
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/no-need-for-defeatism/article1365973/
Environment Minister Jim Prentice slams environmental report as 'irresponsible,' but knows it's not politically expedient to tell it like it is.
Nov 16, 2009
BEA VONGDOUANGCHANH
The Hill Times
http://hilltimes.com/page/view/ghg_targets-11-16-2009
Nov 16, 2009
AFP
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Bluefin+tuna+quota+enough+environmentalists/2228794/story.html
Nov 16, 2009
The Canadian Press
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/11/16/hiv-vaccine-manitoba.html
Nov 16, 2009
Chinta Puxley
The Canadian Press
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5i9XeRaqeKE_E79A8HqNzNUlfy5UQ
N.B. report urges further study
Nov 16, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/11/16/nb-cancer-report-conservation-council-1117.html
Nov 16, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/11/16/inuit-climate-change.html
New law threatens trade war and illegal smuggling boom
Nov 16, 2009
Terence Corcoran
Financial Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/11/16/terence-corcoran-ottawa-s-fruit-flavoured-tobacco-bomb.aspx
Former politician says issue applies to all parties
Nov 16, 2009
David Zuluaga Cano
McGill Daily
http://mcgilldaily.com/articles/22785
Nov 16, 2009
Ethan Clow
National Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/11/16/ethan-clow.aspx

The fairest of an unfair lot

Want to end queue-jumping? Make people pay for vaccines
Nov 16, 2009
Marni Soupcoff
National Post
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/columnists/story.html?id=04b531b4-f6cd-4d07-98ed-ca8a9ea11b20
Nov 16, 2009
Eric Lam
Financial Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fpposted/archive/2009/11/16/canada-s-top-tech-companies-set-to-do-battle.aspx
Summit at Copenhagen won't yield a final deal, but hope remains for political compromises
Nov 15, 2009
Shawn McCarthy
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/climate-deal-delayed-world-leaders-search-for-common-ground/article1364335/
Nov 15, 2009
The Canadian Press
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/11/15/man-cp-virus-ebola.html
As the climate change summit approaches, the Globe talks with the Environment Minister about Canada's role in negotiations
Nov 15, 2009
Katherine O'Neill
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/jim-prentice-on-the-challenge-of-copenhagen/article1364459/
Consensus at APEC summit to work on inclusive agreement for all nations to reduce emissions instead of specific targets
Nov 15, 2009
John Ibbitson
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/leaders-agree-copenhagen-will-focus-on-principles-not-concrete-goals/article1364028/
Nov 15, 2009
Randy Boswell
Canwest News Service
http://www.canada.com/technology/Canadian+natural+disaster+sparked+Freeze+Europe+years+scientist/2225992/story.html
Nov 15, 2009
Lawrence Solomon
Financial Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fpcomment/archive/2009/11/15/lawrence-solomon-uk-reaches-consensus-on-climate-change.aspx
Nov 13, 2009
Steve Thoms
National Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/11/13/steve-thoms-fake-cures-for-whatever-ails-ya.aspx
Canadians use prescription pills at a higher rate than almost any other nation. Patients are becoming addicts and pills are taking over from heroin as the street drug of choice. So why are voluntary ‘guidelines' for doctors the best the experts can offer?
Nov 13, 2009
Anna Mehler Paperny
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/hooked-canadas-painkiller-problem/article1362848/

H1N1: media and message

Journalists and health communicators find virtue in the realm between panic and apathy
Nov 12, 2009
Josh Greenberg and William Fox
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/h1n1-media-and-message/article1361395/
Tally of dead has surpassed 190, but the season's peak isn't even here yet, chief national public health officer says
Nov 13, 2009
Caroline Alphonso and Karen Howlett
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/h1n1-swine-flu/second-h1n1-wave-takes-lethal-toll-on-canadians/article1361766/

Green corridor funding unclear

ERCA defers $113-million proposal
Nov 13, 2009
Sharon Hill
The Windsor Star
http://www.windsorstar.com/travel/Green+corridor+funding+unclear/2218463/story.html
Nov 13, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/11/13/calgary-university-earthquakes-carbon-oil-gas.html
Nov 13, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/11/13/tech-space-moon-water-lcross.html
The flu-shot program is costing Canada almost double what was expected. Some doctors argue it's not worth it
Nov 12, 2009
PAUL WALDIE AND CAROLINE ALPHONSO
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/h1n1-swine-flu/cost-of-vaccinating-the-nation-hits-15-billion-and-climbing/article1360311/
The latest salmon crisis has local explanations, but it's part of a worldwide crisis of fisheries
Nov 12, 2009
Jeffrey Simpson
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/sign-of-the-fish-another-judicial-inquiry/article1361488/
Nov 12, 2009
Jonathan Kay
National Post
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/11/12/jonathan-kay-enough-with-the-populist-h1n1-vaccine-conspiracy-theories.aspx
Report Calls for Global Climate Talks to Consider Boreal’s Impact
Nov 12, 2009
Canadian Boreal Initiative & Boreal Songbird Initiative
http://www.borealbirds.org/resources/carbon/report-pressrelease-nov12.doc

A drug-induced low

The sacking of a government adviser on drugs shows Britain's politicians can't cope with intelligent debate
Nov 5, 2009
Nature
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7269/full/462011b.html