James Rajotte, M.P. for Edmonton Leduc, elected Chair of Industry Committee

May 12, 2006

OTTAWA – James Rajotte, Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Leduc, was unanimously voted to be Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology.

“I am honoured to be selected by my colleagues from all political parties to chair this important committee,” says Mr. Rajotte, a long time advocate for science, research and innovation in Canada. “I look forward to working with all of them to address a range of pressing national issues. These include our long term economic competitiveness and prosperity; the state and impact of research and development in Canada; the importance of science and technology to our economy and our society; and the tremendous potential of our industries.”

Mr. Rajotte has been an active member of this committee since his election to Parliament in 2000. He has previously served as Vice-Chair of the committee and as Senior Industry Critic for the Conservative Party, during which time he traveled extensively across the country to observe first hand our industries and their particular challenges and opportunities.

This specific committee fits exceptionally well with the diverse riding of Edmonton-Leduc. The riding boasts significant opportunities for research and development, in cooperation with post-secondary institutions and industry. Leading industries in the area, such as oil and gas, particularly concentrated in the Nisku Business Park, have much to gain from a successful and responsive national industrial policy. Other key sectors in the riding include science and technology, agriculture and agricultural research, and small businesses, particularly in manufacturing.

“This is a great opportunity to work on the productivity and competitiveness of Canada’s industries, which are the backbone of our prosperity and standard of living over the long term.” said Mr. Rajotte.