Subjects: ECO, POL, CFG
Minister Duncan highlights Budget 2019 support for student researchers and graduate students
Milestone investments building a nation of innovators who are moving Canada forward
TORONTO, April 16, 2019 /CNW/ - Science, research and evidence are essential to our quality of life. They generate discoveries and ideas, create well-paying jobs, and feed the pipeline of talent and expertise that our country needs to succeed. The global demand for skilled talent is skyrocketing, and our government is investing to develop excellence among our research trainees.
Since 2016, the Government of Canada has invested $10 billion in science and research. This includes Budget 2019 commitments announced today by the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, of $114 million to create 500 more master's level scholarships and 500 more three-year doctoral scholarship awards by 2021-2022. The Minister also announced expanded paid parental leave?from 6 to 12 months?to provide students and postdoctoral fellows who receive granting council funding more flexibility to integrate training with family responsibilities.
These efforts are part of the wholesale culture change we are seeing now in Canadian science and research. This change creates better equity, diversity and inclusion in the academic world so that our labs and classrooms look more like the Canada we see today.
Quotes
"Student researchers face the same challenges other workers do in trying to balance starting a family with building a career. Our Budget 2019 proposals for extended parental leave and more support for scholarships and fellowships are part of our vision to change the face of science in Canada. When we support science and researchers, we support a thriving economy that will benefit all Canadians."
? The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport
"I completed my own graduate studies and began my first faculty appointment while I was a new mother, so I understand the challenges of balancing responsibilities as a parent and a researcher. The expansion of parental leave coverage by the federal government supports York University's commitment to access, diversity and inclusivity and will provide many members of our community with increased opportunity to excel in their important roles as both scholars and parents."
? Dr. Rhonda Lenton, President and Vice-Chancellor, York University
Quick facts
- These proposed upgrades to Canada's scholarships will further develop Canada's talent and skills, which in turn will strengthen Canada's pipeline of ideas, help innovative firms in Canada thrive, creating economic growth and good middle-class jobs.
- This investment will help students and postdoctoral fellows better integrate their research training with family responsibilities at the time of the birth or adoption of a child and to time their return to their research to coincide with the start of an academic term.
- The extended paid parental leave will be available to students and postdoctoral fellows who are funded by the granting agencies both directly, through scholarships and fellowships, and indirectly, through grants that allow faculty to offer stipends or salaries to students and postdoctoral fellows.
Associated links
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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
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