The future of research transparency at Canada’s universities

Can we call a university that enters into secret research agreements with corporations and refuses to disclose these activities a public-serving institution? In December of 2018, my university refused to provide me access to basic information about research grants and contracts at the University of Regina against the recommendation of Saskatchewan’s privacy commissioner. The university […]
There’s a long-running irritation in Sino-Canadian universities and colleges relations

A long-running irritation in Sino-Canadian university and colleges relations has been the persistent use by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of its students here as shock troops in propaganda warfare and its persecution of Canadians it considers dissidents. Canada believes in freedom of speech and expression, but the marshalling by Beijing’s diplomats in Canada of […]
Life-long learning increasingly important to further our society as a whole

During my PhD studies, I was working mainly at a national research institute at which my university supervisor was cross-appointed. Even though the institute was 30 km away from the university, my supervisor insisted that I attended regular seminars at the university. I thought it would be more efficient if universities concentrated on teaching while […]
When excellence meets equity: re-imagining research chairs

OTTAWA—“Our government recognizes that when our institutions better reflect the diversity of Canada, science and research are stronger and their impacts on the lives of Canadians are more profound,” said Minister of Science and Sports Kirsty Duncan on June 14. When the minister of science and sport made the announcements of 364 new Canada Research […]
University and College Research Policy Briefing

Canada’s child care ‘crisis’ should be ballot box issue, say advocates, economists

Daycare in Canada has reached a crisis point, say some MPs, child care advocates and economists, who urge a conversation on a federally funded and developed system to address affordability and availability, and ultimately boost the economy through increased participation by women in the workforce. Part of the problem preventing political movement on a policy […]
Five ways NDP seeks to differentiate itself from Trudeau government

An NDP government under Jagmeet Singh may be a long shot, given the party’s performance in the polls, which have had the Conservatives and the Liberals running neck and neck for months at a time. Still, the party is hoping to pry some progressive votes away from the Liberals in part by calling for a universal […]
Crews brace for Canada Day crowd on the Hill

Leading by example to ensure a safer parliamentary workplace

OTTAWA—Bill C-65, our government’s groundbreaking legislation on workplace harassment and violence prevention, received royal assent in October 2018. We were able to get here quickly thanks to support from all parties. The legislation is a key part of a much-needed culture shift. It shows Canadians that we will not tolerate harassment or violence of any […]
Feds, financial professionals’ union agree to study gender wage gap

Financial professionals in the federal public service have come one step closer to resolving a complaint that their female-dominated ranks are being underpaid compared to their male counterparts. The Association of Canadian Financial Officers (ACFO) is North America’s largest union exclusively representing accountants, comptrollers, auditors and financial professionals, according to their website. The Public Service […]