It’s Time to Invest in Canadian Robotics

“Given the economic challenges now facing Western economies, one might assume that robotics would be top of mind for rejuvenating manufacturing in the United States and Canada. Unfortunately, business leaders in North America have begun ramping down investments because of sagging demand. This is ironic, given the fact that Western economies have the highest labour costs in the world.”

In this opinion, Daniel Araya outlines three critical policy ideas that Canada could use to encourage investment and build out the tech platforms it needs for advanced manufacturing.

“Eyes have a tendency to roll when data governance is mentioned. The subject can seem impenetrable...this complexity has engendered a piecemeal approach to the governance of data and data-intensive technologies — a disconnect that poses risks for individuals, communities and, indeed, society as a whole.”

In this article first published by Tech Policy Press, Robert Fay comments on the critical gaps in governance revealed by this approach and points to some possible paths forward as presented in CIGI’s latest essay series, The Role of Governance in Unleashing the Value of Data. “Comprehensive global data governance is not easy....The key ingredients of good governance exist. We must keep working on putting them together, for the benefit of all.”

“With US president-elect Donald Trump vowing to impose a 25 percent tariff on all Canadian imports, federal government officials are at the sharp end. Their actions could be key to the outcome of what may become a devastating trade dispute. Drawing on my prior experience working on the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement and other trade files during Trump’s first term, I can imagine what’s been happening behind the diplomatic curtain.”

In this op-ed first published in The Globe and Mail, Michael Den Tandt shares a view of the flurry of activity and messaging by leaders and officials likely to occur in the next several weeks before Trump’s inauguration, and the shocks that may lie ahead.

Dec. 5 – 11:00 a.m. EST (UTC–05:00): Canadian businesses face growing questions about how to ensure the responsible commercialization and use of emerging technologies that are now key drivers of success across all industries.

Join co-hosts Global Affairs Canada and CIGI for a virtual discussion that will consider these questions. Moderators Ryerson Neal and Tracey Forrest and speakers Rashad Abelson, Pratt Sureka and Paul Vallée will explore expectations of business for responsible conduct and due diligence in relation to the development and deployment of emerging technologies, among other topics.

Please register by December 4. Find out more here.

CIGI is seeking a Director, Communications & Public Affairs. Reporting to the President, the position is a member of the Senior Management Team and oversees the strategy and implementation of CIGI’s outreach and impact activities that promote CIGI’s research and strengthen its brand and reputation internationally.

We also have an opening for a Program Manager — Policy Research. As part of the Program Management team, the position is involved in the management and coordination of CIGI’s research programs and the continual improvement of CIGI’s program management tools and processes.

Visit our Careers page to learn more about these opportunities, including closing dates, and please share with your networks.