Innovation council to guide Alberta’s research and development

Edmonton, AB – Alberta’s government has inaugurated a new Alberta Innovation Council that is charged with the task of guiding the province’s research and development. It says the council will act as a “system architect”, providing vital oversight and advice to align priorities, advance strategic initiatives and clarify roles and responsibilities while providing advice to government on ways it can enhance research and innovation in the province.

“We’ve brought together some of the world’s best talent in research, innovation and entrepreneurship from right here in Alberta. The members have impressive knowledge and experience that will help our innovators turn ideas into solutions and our province into a launching pad for opportunity,” says Dave Hancock, the province’s premier.

The initial council will be chaired by the premier and will be made up of 13 members representing a range of experience in research, innovation and technology commercialization. Members are:

• Dave Hancock, QC, minister, premier, Edmonton
• Fred Horne, minister, Health, Edmonton
• Verlyn Olson, QC, minister, agriculture and rural development, Edmonton
• Dr. David Cox, co-chair, BioAlberta, Edmonton
• Peter Garrett, P.Eng. president and chief executive officer, Innovate Calgary, Calgary
• Bruce Hirsche, QC, LL.M., Partner, Parlee McLaws LLP, Edmonton
• Nancy Knowlton, co-founder, president and chief executive officer, The Byye Group, Calgary
• Chris Lumb, chief executive officer, TEC Edmonton
• Dr. David Lynch, P.Eng., dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton
• Dr. Michael Mahon, president and vice-chancellor, University of Lethbridge
• Dr. Roger Palmer, chair of the board, Alberta Centre for Child, Family and Community Research, Edmonton
• Robert Saik, P.Ag., C.A.C., founder and chief executive officer, Agri-Trend, Red Deer
• Dr. Dan Wicklum, chief executive, Canadian Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA), Calgary