I recently attended an excellent Science Policy Conference in Toronto. Session summaries, session audio recordings and keynote videos are on the conference website. There were many excellent presentations including Preston Manning who highlights the importance of (a) getting science-literate politicians elected and (b) making sure that scientists understand how to present their concepts and opinions in a language that is easily understood by politicians and the public.
I highly recommend watching the 5 minute interviews. One of note is Peter Singer who notes that through science, Canada can help solve global challenges, both directly and by helping developing countries. With reference to Canada's creation of the U.N. Peacekeeping Force, he suggests that Canada should evolve its international reputation from Blue Helmets to White Lab Coats. You can also watch Canada's Minister of Anti-Science Gary Goodyear read a speech and then be the only speaker to not take questions.
