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1-Few topics currently facing Canadians have received as much debate within the media and among politicians in the past year as that of the brain drain. For those not familiar with this term, brain drain refers to the growing number of highly skilled Canadians, in fields ranging from health and sciences to engineering and information technology, emigrating to the US. Many people feel that our best college and university graduates are leaving Canada to take jobs south of the border, citing higher salaries, lower taxes and more opportunity as the reasons for this exodus.

2-Brain drain threatens hurt Canadian economic prospects and competitiveness. First, the size of the labour force is diminished. Second, it is agreed by most that it is the top Canadians being lured to the U.S. for these greater opportunities. Therefore, we see that the brain drain often results in missed opportunities, reduced growth, lower employment and reduced overall tax revenue.

3-The movement of Canadians to the US and Americans to Canada is not a recent phenomenon. It dates back to 195Os when it was just a one-way - Canada to the US - and this movement earned the label 'brain drain' since it consisted largely of highly skilled Canadians moving to the US.

4-Those skilled Canadians who have left the country typically cite a combination of lower taxes, higher pay and more opportunity as the reasons for their departure. There is no doubt that more and better opportunity in the US is one of the attractions to moving there. Opportunity means different things to researchers, workers and entrepreneurs.

5-The fault for the brain drain problem lies not only upon the government but also upon the private sector. The government and the private sector should be working together to ensure they are making adequate investment here in Canada in terms of research and development and creating an environment with attractive opportunities for our graduates and researchers.

6-In conclusion, it has been my intent to demonstrate that, albeit small in numbers, the problem of brain drain does exist and that it should in fact be addressed by policymakers and the private sector. If ignored and the US economy continues to thrive, thereby fuelling the brain drain, it is highly possible that we will see Canada's position deteriorate in regards to its global competitiveness and the standard of living of its citizens.

COMPREHENSION