Opinion
Budget 2018: a litmus test for the future of Canadian research
By David Naylor, Jeremy T. Kerr, Julia K. Baum Dec. 11, 2017
Restoring Canada’s international prominence in research will take several years of steadily increasing investment, ongoing improvements in governance, and steadfast leadership by the Government of Canada. But the rebuilding process must start now with the 2018 budget. The success of Canada’s young researchers—vital to our country’s future prosperity—depends upon it.
Minister of Science Kirsty Duncan pictured in a recent Hill scrum. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Canada needs research and the people who practise it. From 2006 to 2015, however, federal government erosion of support for independent research nearly hamstrung the community’s capacity to meet these needs. Research grants faded away. As Canada tries to build a knowledge-based economy, the demand for bright, creative minds with cutting-edge skills is growing rapidly. At the same time, early career researchers who have spent years honing those skills increasingly find that the only way for them to pursue their dreams is to take their ideas elsewhere.
Related Stories
Politics This Morning
Your email has been added. An email has been sent to your address, please click the link inside of it to confirm your subscription.
More in News
Federal government ad spending rises after PM’s department bumps up limit 45 per cent in election year
The CRA used its newly beefed-up budget to run ads touting the Canada Child Benefit and two other tax benefits on buses and in prime-time TV commercials.Federal spending hits $300-billion, with 2019-20 main estimates up 8.6 per cent
On top of $301.8-billion in planned spending in the 2019-10 main estimates—combining $299.6-billion in budgetary spending and $2.2-billion in non-budgetary expenses—is another $51.2-billion in statutory expenses. Anxious Liberals want Grits to fill all-important national campaign director position soon
Liberal Party headquarters is still undecided on whether former PMO principal secretary Gerald Butts, a key architect of the 2015 election win, will have any role in the October federal election.Crowded field of candidates expected for Liberal nomination in GTA swing riding of Oakville
Former Ontario Liberal MPP Kevin Flynn and University of Toronto law professor Anita Anand are seeking the Liberal nomination in Oakville, Ont.Kenney’s Alberta win both good, bad for Trudeau, Scheer, say strategists
Conservative MPs Michael Cooper and Matt Jeneroux, both from Alberta, are sympathetic to Jason Kenney’s threat to 'turn off the taps' of gas to B.C.‘We’re finding our way’: MP Gord Brown’s widow reflects on year that changed her whole life
Claudine Courtois is planning a May 2 reception to mark the first anniversary of his death, saying she’s touched by Hill community support. Bring in quotas, financial incentives to get more women to run, says House committee
After studying barriers facing women in politics, the Status of Women Committee also suggests calling for a crackdown on gender-based heckling.ISG Senators say poll shores up Red Chamber reforms, but feds running out of time to make them law
‘We are committed to making legislative changes’ to continue with Senate modernization, says the office of Government House Leader Bardish Chagger.Defeated MPs to get access to more support services to navigate life after the Hill
‘Imagine losing your job, getting fired, but you’re fired by basically your entire riding and your whole life has been serving these people, and there’s just a lot wrapped up in it:’ Tory House leader Candice Bergen.Trending Stories
