The Evolution of Science in Canada
This speech analyzes the Canada-U.S. relationship over four 25-year periods between 1940 and 2040. Prior to 1965, economic growth directed governance, policy and cross-border relations. Science flourished and governments developed a reasonable understanding of their resource base. Between 1965 and 1990, reliance on technology increased and utilized systems approaches to address science-policy issues. After about 1990, globalism and competitiveness agendas dominated conventional wisdom on governance. As we move into the future, Pentland asks ‘Do we have time to get rich first and get smart later’? He suggests that Canada and U.S. need to work together to develop fundamental global solutions that elevate nature above economy and move towards a green economy. Canada needs to improve its pollution policies, discourage bulk water exports and work with the IJC to cope with issues in shared watersheds.
