Statistics Act changes don’t go far enough
OTTAWA—With the introduction of Bill C-36, An Act to Amend the Statistics Act, the government is moving forward on its commitment to “make Statistics Canada fully independent.” How does the draft legislation measure up to this goal and the expectations of key stakeholders? To begin, let me say that the bill, if passed in its […]
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 […]
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 […]
On innovation, Canada can learn from Israel
Last spring Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains announced the federal government’s goal of making Canada an innovation superpower. Since then, the consultation process for the Canada Innovation Agenda has included a review not only of our historic approach to innovation but also of the best practices that have given other countries the edge in the new […]
Don’t skip the early-career scientists when doling out research dollars
At first glance, the parade of cabinet ministers on university campuses across Canada yesterday might have looked like evidence of a new era in federal support for science. Scott Brison was on hand at Dalhousie University in Halifax, which will work with the University of Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland’s Memorial University on a multidisciplinary […]
