Monthly Newsletters

On February 13th, the Ministry of Innovation, Science & Economic Development (ISED) announced the continuation of its commitment to collaborative innovation through the Global Innovation Cluster program with the allocation of up to $125m to the Digital Supercluster. This renewed commitment provides the foundation for the Digital Supercluster to continue to grow Canadian companies, build world-leading technologies and create a healthier, sustainable and talented world.

In 2022, the Digital Supercluster and its members proved yet again that staying ahead of the curve is truly possible through collaborative innovation! We are grateful for the exciting and ongoing work done by our 1,200+ partners towards building a healthier, sustainable and skilled Canada. Our mission to facilitate the adoption of digital technologies that keep Canadians healthy, achieve a net-zero future and build competitive skills within our workforce continues to have a bright future for 2023.

The Digital Supercluster’s Digital Learning Lab is a one-of-a-kind hub, establishing efficient, affordable pathways to digital jobs, building leadership in innovation and driving community-based training and development. Its programs promote equity, diversity and inclusion in both rural and urban communities across Canada.

Canada leads the world in providing sustainably-produced metals, minerals, energy and forest products – products people need, are produced with world-class regulatory oversight, and, in places like BC where hydro-electricity is abundant, have a low-carbon advantage. The implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples will only further strengthen how shared decision-making with respect to natural resources are made. While we do lots really well, we also need to recognize we’re not perfect and remain committed to continuously innovating to do things more sustainably.

I bet we all pride ourselves in ‘doing the right thing’. Sometimes it is not clear what that ‘right thing’ might be and then there are other times when it is crystal clear. One of those ‘crystal-clear’ moments happened when we were asked if there was anything we could do to support Canada’s efforts in the crisis in Ukraine.

Well – that was quite a year! I doubt that anyone anticipated what 2021 would bring. Really – did we anticipate the ‘heat domes’ and ‘atmospheric rivers’, the persistence of COVID-19 and the humanitarian challenges we faced around the world? And yet, thankfully, there is still hope and opportunity – and lots of it.

We are at a critical moment in Canada’s history, one that no longer separates “the digital economy” from “the economy”. Our world is digital, and digital transformation across industry and society is no longer something we can plan for in the future. In order to build a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economic recovery and future for all Canadians, we must act boldly now.

Welcome to our September newsletter. Accompanying the fall breeze, autumn leaves and yes, the rain, we’ve harvested stories that capture the amazing outcomes and impacts being delivered through our projects: impacts and outcomes that advance Canada’s economic recovery, are transforming healthcare and are building a resilient, digitally skilled talent base.

In celebration of Asian Heritage Month, we’re shining the spotlight on a few of our outstanding Asian-Canadian colleagues and partners who are building a better Canada through our Digital Technology Supercluster.

As we approach Earth Day on April 22, it’s more important than ever we address the impacts of climate change and pollution in our communities, country and planet. Together, let’s draw into sharp focus what more we must do to reduce emissions, support biodiversity and address other impacts that humans have on our planet.