Canada Plans Bold Moves to Boost Science and Economic Growth

During the Canadian Science Policy Conference in Ottawa this week, discussions intensified around Canada’s need to strengthen its science and technology sectors to enhance economic sovereignty. Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, emphasized that changing global dynamics, including a trade-hostile U.S. administration, necessitate a serious reevaluation of Canada’s research and development strategy.

Government’s Commitment to Science and Research

Bardeesy, representing the government at the 17-year-old conference, articulated a pressing need for Canada to address its declining investment in research relative to other nations. The urgency is underscored by a report from the Council of Canadian Academies, which reveals ongoing challenges in aligning university-led research with commercial growth.

In his remarks, Bardeesy outlined key initiatives from the federal budget aimed at reversing this trend. Among the proposals is a $1.7 billion investment designed to attract over 1,000 international researchers to Canada. This funding is part of a broader effort to enhance tax credits for companies investing in scientific research and to extend programs that safeguard intellectual property.

According to John Fragos, spokesperson for Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, the budget aims to “signal to investors that Canada is serious about its R&D ambitions,” further aiming to mitigate risks within Canada’s investment ecosystem.

Addressing Cultural and Structural Challenges

In addition to financial commitments, Bardeesy called for a cultural shift in how Canada approaches the integration of research into economic activities. He urged attendees, which included various sector representatives, to actively engage in creating beneficial partnerships between academia, non-profits, and government. “We need you pushing the doors down,” he stated, highlighting the potential for every sector present to contribute to economic prosperity.

Experts in the field agree that while the federal government plays a crucial role, fostering a vibrant research and development environment in Canada requires collaboration across various stakeholders. Recommendations from the Bouchard report, chaired by Frédéric Bouchard of the University of Montreal, suggest that the government needs clearer directives regarding national priorities in research funding.

Baljit Singh, Vice-President of Research at the University of Saskatchewan, noted that significant restructuring of the research support system is overdue. He expressed concern that Canada risks missing opportunities to leverage existing resources to enhance its economic position without additional investment.

Peter Nicholson, an economist and chair of the Canadian Climate Institute, pointed out the deeper issues within Canada’s economic framework. He likened the relationship between business and R&D to a sailboat, where the business sector should provide the wind while government steers the course. “A thoughtful hand at the rudder is essential,” he emphasized.

Reflecting on past governmental commitments, Bardeesy drew parallels to previous Liberal administrations, including the early days of Justin Trudeau’s government, which promised to restore science to a prominent role in policy. Despite some successes in implementing integrity policies and appointing a federal science adviser, criticisms persist regarding the pace and direction of federal responses to funding and organizational challenges in research.

The upcoming federal budget and subsequent actions could determine whether the current administration can transform its R&D ambitions into tangible results. With the next Canadian Science Policy Conference on the horizon, stakeholders will be keenly observing whether these discussions lead to meaningful progress or remain mere rhetoric.