Industry committee  They have large concerns. It's one of the hottest topics amongst designers, not only product designers but also interior designers and architects who take their sketches to China and have them knock off the buildings. Emerging product designers are especially reluctant to go to

Industry committee  There's no guarantee. It's the biggest risk in an operation. If, let's say, a product designer has a great product and can't get it produced here in a cost-effective manner and goes to China, it's a huge risk, because what happens.... And there's a great example with Umbra, whi

Industry committee  Are they really?

Industry committee  I also think the government has to lead by example. For instance, the gentleman at the end of table spoke of Douglas Cardinal, who is one of Canada greatest architects, who's finding more work in China than he finds in Canada. It's true for all architects in Canada: their work is

Industry committee  No.

Industry committee  Absolutely. One of our recommendations is that design should be included in Canada Council grants. How do designers get started?

Industry committee  It's baptism by fire. There are so many graduates of design schools who do not go into careers of design because it's so hard to get started and the salaries are notoriously low. It's an industry where unfortunately you have to pay your dues. It's not unheard of for a young desig

Industry committee  It depends on the design sector. Graphic designers are mostly self-employed; I think about 62% to 63% of all graphic designers are self-employed. It's less for interior designers, less for architects. Industrial designers are mostly self-employed. The number of self-employed peop

Industry committee  I believe that if the government is looking to stimulate the manufacturing economy and raise the current manufacturing up the value chain, then they have to subsidize industrial design and graphic design. That's a given. I believe that the architecture, interior design, and lan

Industry committee  Yes, that's what I'm trying to say. I wish I spoke French. Maybe one day. Specifically, if we are trying to stimulate the manufacturing economy then we must subsidize industrial design and graphic design as part of the innovation equation. Design can be a direct driver of the ma

Industry committee  Well, they haven't asked us to. We would be happy to. I find no reference to design in any of the government strategies regarding science and technology or innovation, which I think is a mistake and a huge oversight, considering that design is the key link between research and

Industry committee  Currently, I think about 7% of all design revenue goes to export markets. A large portion goes to the U.S., but increasingly we've seen a shift as the dollar has risen, with design services being exported to China; Hong Kong; Asia; India, which is a huge market; South America; an

Industry committee  Well, there aren't really impediments, because there are no policies in place. There is no design policy, which we should have. With taxation, of course, a tax credit or tax incentive for the industrial design community and the visual communications design community would, I be

Industry committee  Are we over time already?

Industry committee  Oh, really? Okay. Obviously design affects the economy, and you can see that from the information I have presented. Design also affects the environment and can impact the environment positively or negatively, because it's designers who choose the materials, finishes, and furnish