CIIRDF and CIJA Explore Canada-Israel Innovation with Minister Bains

Last week, the Canada-Israel Industrial Research & Development Foundation (CIIRDF) and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) met with the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, to discuss the strategic partnership on innovation between the two countries through CIIRDF’s unique binational structure and mandate. A key objective of the meeting was to seek Minister Bains’ “co-stewardship” of CIIRDF alongside the Minister of International Trade.

CIJA also presented its submission to Canada’s Innovation Agenda, which emphasizes Israel’s inclusive innovation model and efforts to ensure all Israelis benefit from the country’s booming tech sector and cutting-edge research.

Dr. Henri Rothschild, President of CIIRDF, issued the following statement:

“We are thrilled by the Minister’s positive response and, indeed, his clear endorsement of the continuing work of CIIRDF. We especially appreciated Minister Bains’ detailed knowledge of CIIRDF’s contribution to the economic performance of both Canada and Israel. Given the central role he plays in the delivery of Canada’s Innovation Agenda, it is encouraging to hear that the partnership with Israel, through the jointly-supported CIIRDF efforts, will continue to play an important role. “

CIJA CEO Shimon Koffler Fogel added:

“There are tremendous mutual benefits in bringing together Canadian and Israeli innovators, who are at the forefront of tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges. We applaud Minister Bains’ significant interest in Israel as the ‘Start Up Nation’. We look forward to continuing this exciting conversation with him, and working together to further expand Canada-Israel science and technology ties.”

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is the advocacy agent of the Jewish Federations of Canada.

For more information, please contact:

Sonya Shorey
Communications Strategist
613-851-9416
sonyashorey@ciirdf.ca

Steve McDonald
Deputy Director, Communications and Public Affairs
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA)
416-953-4417
smcdonald@cija.ca