Evidence of meeting #22 for Industry, Science and Technology in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was need.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Pearl Sullivan  Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo
Leah Olson  President, Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada

5:10 p.m.

Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo

Dr. Pearl Sullivan

First of all, I would like to declare that I have never made fun of Sir Wilfrid Laurier University. I have tremendous respect for their great business program and their arts program. They are a wonderful partner for the Waterloo region.

On your question, I do have a lot of dealings with industry CEOs and managers and this is not something I've heard of that is pervasive in the field. In fact, I do not know of any company—maybe they didn't tell me about it—that actually trained someone so that they can lose their job. I do know, however, that we need to bring the strongest minds from all over the world to immigrate here and stay here to develop our economy. I do think that is an agenda we should consider too. For instance, Europe right now would be a good place for recruiting the top people in technology, especially England, the United Kingdom. We should open our country's doors to the top, brightest minds.

I would be concerned with what I just heard. As I said, this is not something that I've heard is common. I do not think that among the companies I have worked with—I know quite a number of CEOs in manufacturing in this country—there is even a general notion—

5:10 p.m.

NDP

Brian Masse NDP Windsor West, ON

It was the first for engineering and for India that I had heard, so I don't know. There is more than just one happening at the firm he is at, but it will be interesting to see what—

5:10 p.m.

Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo

Dr. Pearl Sullivan

Unless it's on the IT side—

5:10 p.m.

NDP

Brian Masse NDP Windsor West, ON

No, it's strictly about engineering of goods.

It's good to hear that could be the first of it.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

5:10 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Dan Ruimy

Thank you, Mr. Masse.

With that I would like to thank our two guests, Ms. Sullivan and Ms. Olson. You played the game great. You were super. Thank you very much for coming in.

We're going to take a quick two-minute break. We can all say goodbye and then we'll come back for the last 15 minutes and tie it off.

Thank you.

[Proceedings continue in camera]