While appearing before a committee of the United States Senate, Microsoft founder and Chairman Bill Gates noted that Canada is attracting the best and brightest immigrants to its borders. Gates suggested that his home country had much to learn from its Northern neighbour in terms of immigration policy.

In discussing the future of the technology industry, Gates touched on education but argued that competitive performance in his sector is fundamentally an issue of immigration. The Microsoft architect talked about the importance of attractingskilled workers to immigrate and contribute to a dynamic technology industry. Gates suggested to the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labour and Pensions that America should take a lesson from, Canada, where the nation is benefiting from the efforts of skilled immigrants.

Microsoft has Canadian headquarters just outside of Toronto, Ontario with over 900 employees. The company is a world leader in computer software and the technology industry as a whole. Gates, who is also well known for his extensive philanthropic work, recently announced a major investment partnering his Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with the Government of Canada. Through the program nearly $140 million will be invested in Canada in scientific research aimed at producing a vaccine to fight HIV/AIDS.