Ontario and Support Innovation

Israel: Wynne told a pre-mission reception for the delegates earlier this month that Ontario and Israel share many of the same priorities, namely developing "strong, competitive business environments that support innovation and growth." "Ontario strengths in research, innovation and entrepreneurship help us compete globally -- and this mission will help us establish Ontario as a top innovation and knowledge economy partner for Israel," Wynne said. "Together we will promote the exchange of information and knowledge, seek new opportunities for collaboration and sign new business agreements that will create economic growth and jobs in both regions." In Israel, the premier is set to meet with political, business and innovation leaders "to exchange knowledge and sign agreements," while in the West Bank she will focus on "innovation and education initiatives," her office said, according to CTV. Two-way trade between Ontario and Israel last year was valued at more than $900 million, Wynne office said. The delegation of government officials as well as approximately 130 business, academic and research representatives is travelling to Israel and the West Bank. Ontario and Israel already have a memorandum of understanding on research, which the premier office said has helped generate 15 industry-led R&D projects and leverage more than $16 million in outside funding. Delegates include Jewish-focused businesses and organizations looking to strengthen existing ties to Israel, universities and research institutes such as the University of Toronto and the Ontario Brain Institute, and life science companies. The delegation is set to travel with the premier to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, then on May 19 the premier and some of the delegates will go to Ramallah in the West Bank and to Haifa in Israel the following day. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.