Image credits:  1. Aristide Maillol, Head of a Woman   2. Aldo Calo, Sculpture   3. Arnaldo Pomodoro,
The Book of Signs   4. Auguste Rodin, The Thinker   5. Francois Morellet, Sphere   (click to enlarge)

Mission Statement

Minding Our Future

I   With the profound transformation our world is undergoing come equally profound changes in how we understand the world. Increasingly, as Canadian industry operates in a rapidly changing global economy, explores new markets, develops and exports new products, it encounters diverse cultures, business practices and approaches to science, innovation and technology.

In order to succeed in the dynamics of globalization, international competitiveness and partnership building, it is of paramount importance to understand how others understand themselves - to promote mutual understanding based on respect for other people and the diversity of their cultures.

II   Within the process of worldwide transformation and global adjustments to decreasing natural resources, innovative tools for harnessing new knowledge and a comprehensive vision for the future are needed. From being present-oriented we will have to become future-oriented. To meet the interdependent requirements of the global direction and to position Canada as a leader in the new age of sustainable industry, innovative technologies are required.

Discovery and innovation are vital to our economic and social future. New pathways in science, research and development, technology and industry must be created for whole
new markets and associated scientific and technical disciplines.

III   To secure a strong strategic position for Canada in the transformation from
the production-consumption model of our industrial age to the new industrial age
of sustainability, we must advance not only a scientific-technological, but also
an environmentally and interculturally literate human resource base.

Of vital importance is the advancement of sustainable development through the engineering of new technologies that ensure the quality of life and dignity of future generations. The underlying principle - the future of civilization - depends largely upon sustainability, and on moving forward the role of women in the sciences and technology.

From this perspective, it is very likely that conversion or the demilitarization of science cultures and institutions will stimulate different directions and content in our knowledge systems. We must, therefore, foster a new educational and intercultural dialogue, thus integrating the potentialities and innovative contributions men and women make globally.

IV   To achieve and maintain a leading role in the emerging marketplace, Canada needs
to strengthen its scientific and technological resources and broaden these new attitudes by investing in its most precious asset - youth.

The capacity for developing ideas for science and innovation, in the context of also advancing greater international understanding and cooperation, depends on a society’s knowledge resources and the will to utilize them. Access to quality, internationally relevant education is central to the success and quality of life of Canadians in the 21st century.

Direct investment in the future of young women and men, through the continual strengthening of our educational, cultural and scientific foundation, is the key for sustained societal competence, a stronger workforce, and sound economic progress in a rapidly changing world.

Facing the challenges of the 21st century by planning a sustainable future at home
and through international joint ventures, is crucial for the long-term economic growth
of Canadian industry, the well-being of our society, the international community,
and the success of future generations.

PAEP Board of Directors and Advisory Council