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Canada poised to take its place as a world leader.

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Canada has the potential to surpass the world's expectations. To do this, Canada must attract investment worldwide by focussing on creating a learning, knowledge-based society; promoting diversity and innovation; smart regulations; and creating a strong urban strategy. Speech to the National Summit on Innovation and Learning, Toronto, Ontario, November 18, 2002.

Tonight I would like to talk with you about a five point Action Plan on Innovation. And about how we challenge ourselves to get there:

First, we must make Canada a learning society, where learning and upgrading become continuous;

Second, we must become a knowledge society that invests in ideas;

Third, we have to improve how we bring ideas to market, Creating Clusters that link those who produce and those who apply knowledge;

Fourth, we must work together on smart regulations that spur innovation;

Finally, we need to draw on our diversity of talent, and we must underpin our plan with an urban strategy. That will help create a quality of life in our communities that is second to none. And ensure Canada becomes a magnet for talent and investment from all over the globe.

This action plan needs your input and commitment if it is to be realized.

I see it as a recipe for Canada's greatness--for achievements beyond what we have known. For I know in my head--and feel in my gut--that Canada is poised for greatness.

Why do I think this? Look at our proud history. Struggles with hard winters and landscapes; political tests; wars; welcoming newcomers; valuing different perspectives; sharing burdens and opportunities.

Through drive, accommodation, and tolerance, our ancestors achieved great things. Out of these values and the drive to succeed, Canadians became creative, tough, and smart.

We established a tradition of getting really good at what we are good at: communication; transportation; resource extraction; environmental and health technologies. We are winners in many arenas.

And I am sensing an even stronger spirit of confidence right now. Quite simply, since the early '90s we have had to be extremely disciplined and creative in responding to tough economic times and big political challenges.

Together we have succeeded. I am proud of what we have accomplished while I have been your prime minister. And I remain impassioned about driving through on the next phase of my tenure.

Our nation is united. Our fiscal situation is sound. Five consecutive balanced budgets, and on track for a sixth after twenty-eight years of deficits.

At present we are the only G7 country with a surplus. Nearly $47 billion has been paid towards our national debt. Our debt-to-GDP ratio has fallen from 71%...