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Tim Hearn Delivers Keynote Address at Learning Partnership's Western Canada Dinner
Tim Hearn Delivers Keynote Address at Learning Partnership's Western Canada Dinner
Published 03-06-06
Submitted by Imperial Oil LTD
Hearn shared his views on how an educated and capable workforce has contributed to Canada's success and conditions that make it an attractive place to live. Building and maintaining a strong public education system is critical to remain competitive in today's global markets, and investing in such a system for young Canadians is one of the most important investments that can be made for Canada's future.
"Our well-educated workforce has contributed to our prosperity," said Hearn. "But today's and yesterday's accomplishments provide no guarantee of tomorrow's success. In a world that is continuously becoming more competitive, we need to keep an eye on what's happening in the rest of the world. Others are catching up, or in some cases, passing us."
Hearn expressed the urgent need to develop a technologically capable workforce for today's knowledge-intensive work environment. As is being done in other nations, an early interest in math, science and engineering amongst Canadians students must be encouraged. He urged those present to consider how business can work with other sectors to support innovative learning programs, such as those offered by TLP. He also discussed how business has a vested interest in education.
"The reason that most of our Canadian businesses are -- and must be -- committed to improving the quality and effectiveness of our education system, has little to do with philanthropy. The fact is our success, our competitiveness, and our future depend on it."
Over the past five years, Imperial has invested more than $15 million in education-related initiatives.
Read Tim Hearn's speech.
