When we talk to business people, one of the things you always remind us of is your escalating need for people with the skills, knowledge and all-around preparedness to help Canadian enterprises take their place in the global economy. This is an area where governments clearly have a role. The federal government has already introduced several measures that are helping Canadians obtain the skills and knowledge they need in a skills and knowledge economy. We have set in place a foundation. We must build on it.
Education is the building block.
The most important work in ensuring Canada s future prosperity will not take place in Parliament or at the Cabinet table. It will take place in a 4 th grade class, where a dedicated teacher inspires a young person to become an engineer. It will take place in a university lab, where scientists develop the next great technological breakthrough, perhaps one that will eclipse the microchip. It will take place in businesses like yours, where you develop, produce, and market the products and services that generate wealth, create jobs, and raise living standards. We ve got out public finances in order.