Whether you are in mining, forestry, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism or the fishing industry, if you are applying new knowledge and new technology to do your job more efficiently and effectively, then you are working in the new economy. Canada began its first century by building a railroad to conquer its vast distances, as this historic room reminds us. Canada is beginning the 21st century leading in information and communications technologies that will help citizens overcome the barrier of distance. This is especially important for regions traditionally isolated by geography. Moving from bands of steel to high-speed broadband Internet, Canada is beginning to use these enabling technologies to drive innovation, expanding access to new health and community services, learning and information, and business opportunities.
Biotechnology is another key enabling technology for the future.
This vital scientific knowledge will provide new ways of dealing with environmental challenges, drive growth in existing and emerging industries, and lead to new medicines and the means to prevent diseases. I firmly believe that our combined purpose here together, both in terms of your mandate as a committee, and our mission as a department and as a Portfolio, is of fundamental importance to this vision of Canada's future. My officials and I welcome the opportunity to work together with you to help realize this vision. Over the past several years, Canada has built a strong economic base. Our unemployment rate is near a 25-year low.