APPENDIX: PREMIERS FOCUS ON INNOVATION
Innovation and Competitiveness
Canada is expected to have the lowest statutory corporate income tax rate in the G7 by 2012 and a marginal effective tax rate on new investment that is lower than the average of the OECD countries.
Premiers call on the federal government to work in partnership with provinces and territories to expand and sustain the use of broadband technology.
To create a supportive environment for open innovation, Premiers task Ministers responsible for Innovation to:
- develop better information on innovation, for example private sector investment in research and development; and,
- explore the linkages between bankruptcy laws, entrepreneurship and venture capital.
Green Economy
Aligning environmental, economic and energy security goals will support an economy that is both strong and sustainable.
It is important to act now. The early mover advantage on green innovation will enable jurisdictions to capture new markets and emerge from the current challenging economic climate smarter, greener, and more prosperous. Premiers are leading the transition toward a greener economy by promoting clean energy, energy efficiency within government and broader society, investment in greening the economy, and the creation of green jobs.
Building a stronger, greener economy with lasting, well-paying jobs for Canadians is a key goal for Premiers, and they support, where appropriate:
- More efficient and cleaner electricity grids – smart grids – that make use of advanced innovative technologies to effectively harness and distribute the various types of energy sources generated across Canada.
- Other forms of green infrastructure that will lead to real reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, such as high speed rail and public transit.
- Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies that have the ability to substantially reduce GHG emissions while retaining Canada’s ability to provide much-needed energy to the world. • Promotion of energy management in the commercial and industrial sectors.
- Continued development and expansion of the use of clean and renewableenergy sources such as geothermal, wind, solar, tidal, hydro, biomass and biogas.
- Development of alternative transportation fuels, such as cellulosic ethanol, that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Promotion of cold climate technologies.