The past year has brought a flurry of technical achievements, recognition of the innovative talent of our staff and many positive changes for the Communications Research Centre Canada (CRC).

Collaborative R&D remains at the heart of CRC. We have continued to work closely with our federal, industrial and academic partners towards the collective goal of advancing communications technologies in Canada. The recent launch of a new, national wireless partnership is just one example of the results this cooperative approach has yielded over the past year. As the following pages illustrate, CRC has produced many technological accomplishments that span the core areas of our expertise. CRC is proud to uphold its reputation as the Government of Canada's number one laboratory for technology transfer to industry.

Scientific achievements and discoveries are a team sport, and CRC's roster of dedicated men and women and their collective hard work create a winning combination. Last October, we celebrated the achievements of those researchers whose inventions have gained distinction through the granting of Canadian, U.S. and worldwide patents.

The year 2004 began with a new federal innovation agenda based on the theme, "Building a 21st Century Economy". The message was clear - Canada is striving to position itself among the world leaders in developing and applying path-breaking technologies of the 21st century, including information and communications technologies. The government also reinforced that we must do more to ensure that our scientific knowledge is converted to commercial success.

CRC has embraced these ideas and is ready for the challenge. The importance of communications will inevitably grow and we must respond to the constant changes in our economic and technology environment. We look forward to playing a major role, along with our partners, knowing that our work is ultimately improving the quality of life for Canadians.

J.G. (Gerry) Turcotte