Large gaps, questions remain in federal support for research
For many years, Canadian researchers have seen a gradual, but significant decline, in funding from the federal government. For example, from 2013 to 2015, Canada’s average investment in research was 1.6 per cent of GDP, compared to a G7 average of 2.3 per cent. The 2017 Naylor Report found that Canada is falling behind on […]
Public service staffing survey results show management ‘out of touch,’ says NDP MP Daniel Blaikie
The most recent Public Service Staffing and Non-Partisanship survey shows some big disparities in the perception of merit in public service hiring practices between managers and employees, with only about half of employees believing their peers are competent. While about 92 per cent of managers said those hired met performance expectations and were a good […]
Duncan says federal government is looking at new ways to support Canadian researchers abroad
Science Minister Kirsty Duncan says the federal government is “looking now at new ways to support international mobility for our researchers, calling the issue of student international mobility a “big priority” as recent statistics show that Canada has fewer students studying abroad compared to European countries. In an email Q&A with The Hill Times this week, the veteran MP representing […]
Promoting learning abroad the missing ‘piece of the puzzle’ for Canadian government, say stakeholders
If Canada wants to be competitive in the global economy, more Canadians need to study abroad, and in more diverse countries, stakeholders say, tying the practice directly to the government’s drive to expand trade to a broader array of places. Canada’s universities and colleges have long made it a priority to attract international students, but […]
Political staffers have it tough. I know. I employ them
PARLIAMENT HILL—It wouldn’t be right to conclude this series of op-eds on mental health on Parliament Hill—particularly an entry focusing on staff—without amplifying the voice of another insightful spokesperson on mental health, Paul Wernick, a former parliamentary staffer who has brought the workplace culture of Parliament Hill and its unique stresses and mental health challenges […]
Federal support strong for college-driven research solving the problems of tomorrow
I am so proud to be a member of a government that has placed science front and centre. Since day one, we have made investments to support both the fundamental research that drives new discoveries and the applied research that addresses tangible business and social challenges and promotes the commercialization of ideas. Colleges, in particular, […]
Yan Plante back among Conservative staff on the Hill
Yan Plante is back on Parliament Hill and has joined Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer as a special adviser in the official opposition leader’s office (OLO). A veteran Hill staffer, Mr. Plante previously worked under Stephen Harper’s Conservative government and his past roles include serving as a special assistant to then-labour minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn, and later […]
Let’s not fear the unknown
When I was young, my next-door neighbour’s dad was an inventor and I thought that was simply sublime—mostly because he bought a swimming pool with the profits from a patent. On hot summer days, I used to tug on my braids and imagine gadgets that might possibly meet with similar success in order to bring […]
University & College Research
Québec Solidaire vote may be more than a sign of youthful rebellion
KAMOURASKA, QUE.—The young woman who serves me my croissants and brioches at the local bakery surprised me today when she revealed she has an accounting degree from Université de Montréal and used to work for a heavy-equipment company. When the bakery closes for the season, she will do the books for the restaurant next door. […]
