September 12, 2008

Dear [name],

Polytechnics Canada is an alliance of seven large, internationally recognized post-secondary institutions committed to producing career-ready graduates who combine critical thinking with theoretical understanding and practical competence. The seven members are located in regions that drive the Canadian economy: The lower Fraser Valley, the Calgary/Tar Sands corridor, the Golden Horseshoe and the Kitchener/Guelph/Waterloo high-tech triangle.

Collectively, the seven members - BCIT, SAIT Polytechnic, Conestoga College, George Brown College, Humber College, Sheridan Institute and Seneca College – annually educate more than 400,000 highly-qualified people essential to Canada’s economy by:

• providing career-focused and community responsive education developed in partnership with employers;
• committing to a wide range of credentials including bachelor degrees, diplomas, apprenticeships, certificates, post-graduate offerings, continuing education and corporate training, spanning many fields;
• offering pathways that allow students to build on their credentials; and recognizing previous learning; and
• combining theoretical and applied learning, relevant work experience, and the opportunity to participate in applied research and commercialization projects.

Polytechnics also work very closely with Canada's Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to conduct targeted applied research in response to industry identified problems. These industry identified problems are met with solutions ranging from proof of concept projects, prototyping, field testing, and new and improved manufacturing processes.

Canadian SMEs' scarce financial resources and limited access to qualified personnel, equipment and facilities often contribute to a limited capacity to become more innovative. Current government support programs in place for R&D do not provide comprehensive access to facilities, research staff and students who are able to work on short-term projects as partners with the SME to help them overcome these limitations.

We believe that applied research as conducted by Canada’s polytechnics in partnership with SMEs is critical to improving Canada’s competitiveness.

We have, therefore, attached two questions about applied research, which are being sent to all federal political parties for response. We would request that you respond electronically by Friday, September 26, 2008.

Question to [party] from Polytechnics Canada:

1. Does [party] believe that Canada needs to invest more in applied research to improve Canada’s competitiveness?

2. If yes, what does [party] propose the federal government do to increase Canada’s investment in applied research?

 

On Monday, September 29, we will post the questions, along with all the responses that we have received, on the Polytechnics Canada website.

We will announce to the members of Polytechnics Canada that these questions have been sent to all parties, and will encourage our members to read the responses.

We look forward to hearing from you.

If you have questions, please contact me at kdoyle@polytechnicscanada.ca - 613-429-0057, or Sharon Maloney at semaloney@polytechnicscanada.ca - 416-949-2588

Sincerely,

Ken Doyle
Director Public Affairs
Polytechnics Canada