Keeping Canadian innovation at home

Appearance before the Standing Committee on Industry and Technology (INDU)

November 24, 2025

Canada’s ability to tackle its biggest challenges — from affordability and housing to healthcare and long-term economic growth — depends in large part on the strength of its universities. That was the message our President and CEO, Gabriel Miller, brought to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology on November 24, 2025, during its study on productivity and capital outflow.

During this appearance, Universities Canada made three recommendations:

1. Make universities core partners in nation-building efforts to strengthen talent pipelines and accelerate the development of homegrown technologies.
2. Expand university-led support for AI adoption to help businesses, particularly small- to medium-sized enterprises, boost productivity and compete globally.
3. Invest in commercialization capacity — including tech transfer officers, incubators and accelerators — to ensure Canadian research translated into Canadian companies, jobs and growth.

With the right partnerships and targeted support, Canada can better harness its research strength, retain its innovation and build a more productive and prosperous economy.