John Manley
Minister of Industry, Canada
Dean's Distinguished Guest Lecturer
Thursday, March 26, 1998, 4:30 pm in Davies Auditorium
Followed by reception in Becton Faculty Lounge

"Canada's Science and Technology Strategy:   Constructing a Smart, Comparative Advantage"

  First elected in 1988 and re-elected in 1993 and 1997 as a member of Parliament for Ottawa South, John Manley was appointed Minister of Industry in November, 1993.  He was given additional responsibilities as Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Federal Office of Regional Development - Quebec, and Western Economic Diversification in January 1996.  Mr. Manley is assisted in these duties by three Secretaries of State.

    The Minister is also responsible for a number of Government agencies including the Standards Council, the Canadian Space Agency, the National Research Council, Statistics Canada, the Business Development Bank of Canada, the Canadian Tourism Commission, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

    Supported by these organizations, which represent the Government's key tools for economic renewal and innovation, Mr. Manley and his colleagues have been given an important part to play in advancing the Jobs and Growth Agenda.  Under his leadership, this team is acting to build a positive entrepreneurial climate and help small businesses grow; to expand markets for jobs and growth through trade; to create an efficient and modern infrastructure; to build stronger regional economies within an integrated national framework to meet the challenge of global competition; and to make technology work for Canada.

    Mr. Manley is dedicated to securing Canada's place in the new economy.  As Minister responsible for telecommunications policy, he has led the development of a strategy for Canada's Information Highway.

    Before entering politics, Mr. Manley practiced business and income tax law in Ottawa.  Mr. Manley and his wife Judith live in Ottawa South with their children, Rebecca, David, and Sarah.