Government’s middle-class agenda at risk in ‘new normal’ economy
TORONTO—Is low growth the “new normal” for Canada and other rich countries that make up the G7? If so, what does this mean for efforts to reduce inequality, strengthen the middle class, and generate the public revenues needed to finance health care, education, and other public services? Low growth is the “new normal”—not zero growth, […]
Private sector increasingly involved in space, Canadian government investments remain scarce
As the Canadian Space Agency gets ready to launch a series of three earth observation satellites and private companies start to take more of a lead in space technology innovation, industry-insiders are hoping that the federal government’s much touted dedication to innovation and science will lead to further funding of the department. “Our space program […]
Canada must do more to boost innovation
There has been much discussion and activity around the topic of innovation. Everyone recognizes the need to create an environment in Canada that fosters innovation, and that supports the development of innovative ideas through to commercialization. The excellence of Canadian research happening at the universities and colleges across the country is well-respected in the world. […]
The rise of the knowledge disruptors
“As we develop science policy we need to look beyond the short-term context, beyond the research that looks immediately promising. If we’re blinded by the urgency of our problems, we will go the wrong way. We’ll be investing in horses, carriages, and cleaning up the streets instead of fostering the research that can give rise […]
Science review panel must tackle barriers to funding, encourage diversity: researchers
The panel convened by the Liberal government to review fundamental science in Canada must address the significant challenges young researchers, international collaborations, and multidisciplinary projects face when seeking government funding, while also imploring for bold initiatives to increase diversity, scientists and science advocates say. Former Liberal MP Ted Hsu, a research physicist and science and innovation advocate, said the formation […]
Universities call for more financial support for research, while colleges eye bigger share of funding
Advocates for Canadian post-secondary institutions are calling on the federal government to improve on the expanded investments in research seen in Budget 2016 to ensure the country can keep pace with surging global competitors. In what backers are calling the biggest increase in a decade, the Liberal government earmarked an additional $95-million this year to the Canadian granting councils, […]
Science minister sees funding gaps for young researchers, multidisciplinary and multinational research
Young researchers are starved for grants in Canada, which can make their work “impossible,” says Science Minister Kirsty Duncan. That’s one of the challenges she’s heard from scientists during her first year as minister, she said in a Nov. 10 interview after giving a speech at the Canadian Science Policy Conference in Ottawa. She also […]
University and College Research
We need a return to funding basic research
It was in the spring 2012 budget that the previous Conservative government established the primacy of utilitarian, mercantile science over basic research and pure intellectual inquiry. The budget decreed that federal funds would go to research that was “business-led [and] industry-relevant.” The significant deficit in industry investment in research and development affects our economy. We […]
Bains, Carr, Garneau most lobbied ministers, health most lobbied topic in October
Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains remained the most lobbied minister of the Trudeau cabinet in October, while health was the most lobbied issue between federal officials and lobbyists, according to the federal lobbyists registry. There were 21 communication reports filed for contact with Mr. Bains (Mississauga-Malton, Ont.) last month, according to registry numbers last week. Natural Resources […]
