Fundamental and applied research both valuable
In the months since my appointment as the Conservative critic for science, I have had the pleasure of meeting with representatives of the scientific community from across Canada, including meetings with over a dozen university presidents or vice-presidents of research. Through these conversations, I now have a better understanding of the complicated federal research funding […]
Broad perspectives breed great science
On Nov. 2, Science Minister Kirsty Duncan addressed the Canadian Science Policy Conference to discuss the federal government’s plan to boost fundamental research in Canada. The following text is an edited excerpt of her speech. I’d like to share my vision of science. It is a vision that sees Canadian science as a re-energized, forward-looking, […]
Liberals talk a good game, but science is still struggling
Many credit the Trudeau Liberals with ending the war on science, after years of funding cuts and muzzling by the Harper Conservatives. Nothing seemed to demonstrate this more than the fundamental science review report (chaired by former University of Toronto president David Naylor) commissioned by the Liberals and released in April, followed by the appointment […]
Galvanizing a go-global education strategy
A report this month from the Study Group on Global Education, made up of Canadian businesspeople and academics, offers some revealing insights on preparedness and potential for Canadian students studying abroad. With only 11 per cent of undergraduate students having some form of international experience, it argues that we are stuck in neutral when it […]
Education, the neglected solution
At the COP23 global climate-change meeting last week in Bonn, scientists warned that abrupt environmental changes are threatening the security of humankind. Although this is not something that can be fixed, we still can try to make it less difficult to face these challenges by slowing population growth. Though paradoxical, many countries have completed or are about […]
How can we continue to transform Canadian research? Look to the new generation
Earlier this fall, during one of the worst hurricane seasons on record, a group of graduate students was testing the resilience of roofs in full-force winds at Western University’s Insurance Research Lab for Better Homes. It’s unlikely they’d call themselves lifesavers, but their work will lead to better construction practices and building codes and they […]
New workplace abuse bill must define harassment, include remedies: critics, unions
For the government’s new workplace harassment bill to have the impact the Liberals have said is the goal, union leaders and party critics say they should amend the legislation to define harassment and address repercussions. Bill C-65, introduced on Nov. 7, will strengthen existing provisions in the Canada Labour Code on harassment and sexual harassment […]
Review of MP harassment code yields few suggestions for change
A committee report on the MP-to-MP code of conduct dealing with sexual harassment has been presented to the House of Commons, with minor amendments suggested to the two-year-old policy. Earlier this fall the Procedure and House Affairs Committee privately reviewed the new code as part of a mandatory process required within two years of its creation. Committee […]
Scientist advocacy ‘most active’ in years since Naylor report’s release, next budget ‘test’ of Ottawa’s commitment to fundamental research
Universities and research advocates have ramped up pressure on Ottawa to increase support for fundamental research in anticipation of 2018’s budget, with observers saying it’s the most active and loudest advocacy effort from the scientific community witnessed in years. The research community has been abuzz since the April release of the fundamental science review panel’s […]
University and College Research
