Before agricultural science companies come to government with hat-in-hand they need to convince taxpayers why they should support their initiatives, says a Quebec MP.
“I think in that area that you fail miserably,” independent MP André Arthur told Saskatchewan agricultural research representatives appearing before the House of Commons industry and technology committee in Saskatoon.
The committee is travelling in Western Canada to collect public opinions on the government’s science and technology agenda.
Arthur said that in his travels he has yet to meet a single person who isn’t asking for more money from government and it was no exception in Sask-atoon, where the committee met with representatives of the city’s agricultural research community.
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He told witnesses appearing before the committee that every year the government invests billions of dollars in science and research.
“This is money that leaves the pocket of somebody who has to earn it – Joe Canadian.”
And, he said, the agriculture sector has done a poor job of convincing Joe Canadian and the politicians who represent him that there will be a tangible return for those hard earned dollars.
Dave Van Kesteren, a Conservative MP from Ontario, echoed Arthur’s comments.
He encouraged the research community to enlist the business community in their lobbying efforts because their message has more clout when backed by commerce.
Witnesses acknowledged their public relations shortcoming.
“I would tend to agree we do fall down currently in Canada about education,” said Carol Reynolds, director of communications and government relations with Genome Prairie, a nonprofit organization that supports large-scale genomics projects.
“So what do you plan on doing? How will you change?” Arthur responded.
Genome Prairie president Jerome Konecsni said he is proof that more time and attention is being paid to public relations work. He is not a scientist; his background is as a communications instructor and public relations consultant.
“I’d like to give you hope there is an awareness of the problem,” he told Arthur.
Paul Hodgson, director of business development with the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, agreed the science community needs to do a better job of getting its message to the public, which is why VIDO does things like bring in high school students to get a first-hand science education.
Ag-West Bio Inc. president Perry Lidster disagreed with Arthur. He said Ag-West wasn’t looking for a government handout but rather an investment that offers the potential for a return.
“We didn’t ask for money,” he said.
“And you have been one hell of an exception, sir,” Arthur replied.
Before agricultural science companies come to government with hat-in-hand they need to convince taxpayers why they should support their initiatives, says a Quebec MP.
“I think in that area that you fail miserably,” independent MP André Arthur told Saskatchewan agricultural research representatives appearing before the House of Commons industry and technology committee in Saskatoon.
The committee is travelling in Western Canada to collect public opinions on the government’s science and technology agenda.
Arthur said that in his travels he has yet to meet a single person who isn’t asking for more money from government and it was no exception in Sask-atoon, where the committee met with representatives of the city’s agricultural research community.
He told witnesses appearing before the committee that every year the government invests billions of dollars in science and research.
“This is money that leaves the pocket of somebody who has to earn it – Joe Canadian.”
And, he said, the agriculture sector has done a poor job of convincing Joe Canadian and the politicians who represent him that there will be a tangible return for those hard earned dollars.
Dave Van Kesteren, a Conservative MP from Ontario, echoed Arthur’s comments.
He encouraged the research community to enlist the business community in their lobbying efforts because their message has more clout when backed by commerce.
Witnesses acknowledged their public relations shortcoming.
“I would tend to agree we do fall down currently in Canada about education,” said Carol Reynolds, director of communications and government relations with Genome Prairie, a nonprofit organization that supports large-scale genomics projects.
“So what do you plan on doing? How will you change?” Arthur responded.
Genome Prairie president Jerome Konecsni said he is proof that more time and attention is being paid to public relations work. He is not a scientist; his background is as a communications instructor and public relations consultant.
“I’d like to give you hope there is an awareness of the problem,” he told Arthur.
Paul Hodgson, director of business development with the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, agreed the science community needs to do a better job of getting its message to the public, which is why VIDO does things like bring in high school students to get a first-hand science education.
Ag-West Bio Inc. president Perry Lidster disagreed with Arthur. He said Ag-West wasn’t looking for a government handout but rather an investment that offers the potential for a return.
“We didn’t ask for money,” he said.
“And you have been one hell of an exception, sir,” Arthur replied.
