Canada's researchers have more opportunities to explore, discover and succeed than ever before

OTTAWA, April 27, 2018 /CNW/ - Without the hard work of Canada's researchers, we would not have the discoveries and innovations that are powering a brighter future for all people. Their commitment to science and scholarship drives advances in new technology fields, novel medical treatments, clean energy, economics and so much more.

That was the message the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, drove home to members of the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) today. The Association represents teachers, librarians, researchers, general staff and other academic professionals at universities and colleges across Canada.

Minister Duncan discussed the historic investments in science announced in Budget 2018: nearly $4 billion that will directly support front-line researchers through grants, scholarships, awards and infrastructure, enabling them to continue pursuing their research ambitions. In her remarks, Minister Duncan reiterated the Government of Canada's commitment to advancing equity and diversity in all areas and ensuring better representation of women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and other under-represented groups in Canada's research community. The  community will be made stronger by opening its doors to people with new ideas and perspectives that can shape how we understand the world around us.

The Minister also highlighted the important work that faculty members and university teachers do every day on their campuses to train the next generation of leaders and innovators. These opportunities for learning and skills development provide today's youth with the hands-on experience they need for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

Quote

"I want to offer my profound thanks to the university faculty, teachers, librarians and administrators whose hard work is leading to advances in all research disciplines. Their efforts not only provide us with the evidence we need to make decisions that affect the lives of all Canadians but also give us new knowledge to draw on to build a better, brighter future for all people."
? The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

Quick facts

• Budget 2018 proposed investments of nearly $4 billion over five years in the next generation of research and researchers. This investment includes new funding for fundamental research, research infrastructure, science institutes, and federal science and laboratories. For example:
  
  
• $1.2 billion over five years through the granting councils (the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research) for investigator-led research. This funding will go a long way in supporting the work of some 21,000 researchers, students and high-quality personnel every year, including $275 million in new funding targeted specifically at research that promotes international, interdisciplinary and high-risk/high-reward research.
  
  
• $210 million over five years for the Canada Research Chairs (CRC) Program, which will go toward supporting early-career researchers and increasing diversity among nominated researchers, including increasing the number of women who hold these prestigious positions.
  
  
• $763 million over five years through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) for research infrastructure at Canada's higher-education and research institutions. The CFI, a not-for-profit agency, puts cutting-edge tools in the hands of our scientists, scholars and students and ensures they have state-of-the-art labs and facilities to make their greatest discoveries.
  
  
• $140 million over five years for colleges and polytechnics that not only equip students with the hands-on skills they need for the jobs of today and tomorrow but also actively collaborate with small and medium-sized businesses to help solve their challenges.
  
  
• In addition to the historic $4-billion investment in science, $2.8 billion will go toward renewing federal laboratories to ensure government scientists have the infrastructure they need to inform evidence-based decisions.

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada