Budget 2008 and the road ahead for more true global fellowship

March is a month whose name implies action, so this post is a trek into Canada’s Budget 2008 and thoughts of the road ahead for more true global fellowship.

This post is perhaps part of a start of a progressive march into uncertainty with increasingly smarter government, global cooperation and balance. As an initial step, think of what it means, or should mean, to be human. Next think of the term fellowship; for example as analogous to funding, however also as analogous to effectively working together, such as people effectively working together, and such as machines and people working effectively together, and such as the intrinsic and pervasive aspects of software and technology architectures doing the same. In our interconnected universe, what you do can make a difference; so too can increased unity, especially when increasingly combined with diversity. Fortunately there is growing support and evidence for collaboration, convergence, unification and simplification from various perspectives. Fortunately this is beginning to show more so within thoughts (i.e., within the individual and shared thinking of people, organizations, communities and governments). However, imagine the pure potentiality of the same throughout the world relative to increasingly working well together. Imagine how this may improve the budget of any country, and when the planet operates more as one, how this may improve the world.

Below are a few words from the Budget 2008 speech by Canada’s Minister of Finance delivered to the House of Commons on Feb 26, 2008 (full version here). A related article on the web (National Post) is, “Budget 2008 an uninspiring cure for insomnia”. Imagine how growing a fellowship of public and pros (IT and other) could enable unprecedented positive results. Imagine the collective energy, the collective imagination, the collective innovation, the collective benefits, the collective wisdom. Imagine the new dimensions of peace (value) and joy (quality) that inherently would materialize for the benefit of all in this generation and those of the future. March is a time for all to begin again, fresh, new, springing forward. A time to really start a forward thinking march for greater awakening. If more put their heads together, as well as their hearts together, it just may be possible for people to enable what seems impossible and truly wonderful. Imagine all having their hard earned money back while having tax free savings without limits. Imagine global economic prosperity, better services, and greater peace and joy. Of course the type of mindset change required, for such wonderful things to be reality, will not occur overnight. With enough collective positive energy wonderful possibilities may however come true, and sooner rather than later. Now is the time to really start a march towards something unprecedented and truly worthwhile… something life evolving, something that elevates life. Every country has challenges (including for Canada such things as the Minister of Finance noted: the economy slow down of our biggest trading partner, the U.S.; volatility in global financial markets; struggling economy sectors; slow economic growth projections for coming years), so the world must think differently as the only way the world is really going to make tremendous forward leaps is through radical paradigms shifts from the edge of rational collective imagination and innovation. Among other it is nice to see that Budget 2008 aims to further address matters pertaining to infrastructure, health, education and so on, including the need for increased research and innovation, and including the need to further tackle high purposes (e.g., environmental stewardship, and homelessness). Still more must be done, or one day everyone could be homeless. An evolution of global proportion is needed. Ideally the Internet will be an on-going tremendous help. Ideally more will awaken to their life’s purpose. Ideally a 2020 global vision will result in tremendous gains before, by and beyond the leap year of 2020.

There is evidence of a continually emerging change of mindset, and of a new worldview. And there is an essential critical need for all to be —increasingly— advocates, catalysts, enablers and solution architects for it, from a worldwide perspective, not simply organization or country perspectives. Thank you for all you do.

investing in research and development to strengthen our economy and stimulate innovation and discovery

technology is quickly evolving and we must be relentless in our pursuit of new breakthroughs

automotive innovation fund

secure Canada’s leadership in the global marketplace through research and innovation

university research

helping Canada’s communities

roads, bridges, water systems, public transit and international gateways

creating a seamless, modern, safe and secure transportation system for the benefit of all Canadians

ensure that the next generation of Canadians has the opportunity to excel in this increasingly competitive world

student grant program

develop and attract the next generation of world-class researchers

attract the best doctoral students from here and around the world to study in Canada

To strengthen the ability of Canadian universities to attract and retain the world’s top scientific leaders, our Government will provide $21 million to establish Canada Global Excellence Research Chairs.

These prestigious Research Chairs will be offered in the four priority areas identified in the Government’s Science and Technology Strategy:

• The environment;
• Natural resources and energy;
• Health; and
• Information and communication technologies.

This funding will allow each Chair to assemble outstanding research teams and undertake cutting-edge research in areas of strategic importance to Canada.

shift from social services to economic development and skills training

changing the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to improve and speed up the application process

Canadians demand and expect that action is being taken to reduce harmful emissions and to crack down on polluters.

Since 2006, our Government has announced numerous initiatives to support cleaner energy, clean transportation alternatives, cleaner air and water, and the development of green technology.

Our Government has committed to reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions 60 to 70 percent by 2050. This is an ambitious and achievable goal.

better enforce our environmental laws

Canadians want a healthy environment. They also want healthy, safe communities.

another step towards building safer communities and putting criminals out of business

putting more police officers on our streets

We want to ensure Canadians receive full value for the money they pay in taxes.

the economy grew faster than expected a year ago

The extra federal revenues we received have been used in a balanced way.

incremental tax relief to Canadians and Canadian businesses

help workers and communities that are already feeling the effects of the slowing economy

reducing the debt

there are challenges on the horizon

we are seeing increased global uncertainty

We have a long-term economic plan: Advantage Canada.

And we are building on that plan.

Today’s budget is prudent, disciplined and realistic. It is focused on preparing Canada and Canadians for the challenges ahead.