Toronto, Ontario, Monday, May 12, 2014

Thank you, Tom, for that very warm introduction. I have many fond memories of my time on the board of directors of the Ontario Centres of Excellence, not only because I worked with such fabulous people, but also because I believe so strongly in what this organization is doing.

I have travelled all across this country and around the world, both as governor general and during my university days. I have witnessed Canadian ingenuity in action and have learned about Canadian innovation that is changing the world. I have seen Canadians at their best, sharing ideas and knowledge and best practices.

Let me tell you about my recent trip to the United States.

A few weeks ago, I visited California—Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego—as well as Seattle. I met with representatives from some of the world’s most innovative companies, including Qualcomm, Microsoft and Google.

But what struck me the most during my visit was how much of an impact Canadians are having. These tech giants look to Canada on a regular basis because they know that the people here are both talented and creative. Big ideas happen here!

That is why Google set up a Global Tech Hub program in Waterloo, which gives start-up companies access to Google experts and products. As you know, Waterloo is a leader in the Canadian tech industry—and particularly proud to say that I was a part of it.

Speaking of Waterloo, Canadian schools are also making great strides in innovation. Twitter CEO Dick Costolo recently said that more than 20 per cent of Twitter’s interns are from the University of Waterloo alone. In the last year or two, Cisco, Industrial Light & Magic, Twitter, Square, Google and numerous others, including Microsoft, have announced new investments or expansions in Canada. This validates the thesis that Canada produces global talent.

But it is not just Canadians helping American companies. American knowledge is also lending a helping hand to Canadians. I visited the Canadian Technology Accelerator located at RocketSpace, in San Francisco, to speak to a handful of Canadian companies. The Accelerator gives these businesses access to RocketSpace’s expertise and network, and the chance to leverage opportunities and gain exposure to the Bay Area’s innovation ecosystem.

This is but one example of the collaborative spirit I have seen, a spirit that is so important to innovation. I raise this point because this conference attracts people from not only across the province, but also investors and innovators from around the world. The successes we achieve as a result of our creative ideas expand exponentially when we work together across borders, and even across disciplines.

There is a great history of collaboration here in Ontario, and an equally strong reputation for innovation. I know this because I have seen it.

The title of this conference is “discovery” and it is very apt. The discoveries Canadians have made throughout history have changed the course of our country and of our world. Take communication, for instance. Canadians have developed new ways of coming together across vast distances: the first transatlantic wireless transmission took place from Signal Hill, Newfoundland, in 1901, and led the way for the telegram, the telephone, radio and television.

That is why we must continue to support discovery in all its forms. I am grateful to all of you for voicing your support throughout your careers, and I thank organizations like the Ontario Centres of Excellence for providing venues like these to inspire dialogue and action.

You have gathered here to share new ideas, new technologies, and new ways of doing things. You will network, discover investment opportunities and create partnerships.

But beyond that, this conference is a celebration of innovation itself, and of all of you, who continue to find innovative ways of lifting this country to new, startling heights.

I look forward to learning about your continued discoveries and the transformational ideas that will create new opportunities for Ontario and for Canada.

Thank you.