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House Hansard - 139

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
December 1, 2022 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 139 - Dec/1/22
Mr. Andy Fillmore (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Lib.)
  • Dec/1/22 6:49:20 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, I am happy to respond to the comments made by the hon. member for South Okanagan—West Kootenay regarding federal investments in science for our graduate students, scientists and researchers. In fact, I agree with just about everything he said. I must say it is good to see him flying the MUN school colours. Canada is a leader in science and research, and the government is committed to ensuring that this continues. Every day, Canadian researchers stand at the forefront of new scientific discoveries and research breakthroughs. The Government of Canada has continued to invest in Canadian researchers, the key drivers of innovation who are helping to build a healthier and more prosperous future. Enhancing the opportunities available to researchers has been a priority that the government has backed up with significant investments in successive budgets. Since 2016, Canada has committed more than $14 billion to support the valuable contributions that scientists and researchers make to the health, well-being and prosperity of all Canadians. For example, budget 2018 announced historic new investments in science and research of over $1.7 billion over five years, including $925 million to the three granting agencies to support fundamental science, and $462 million per year to establish permanent, stable funding to the Canada Foundation for Innovation to support research infrastructure in our country. In terms of targeted investments to support students and post-doctoral fellows, the government recognizes the critical role that federal scholarships and fellowships play in nurturing and sustaining Canada's top talent, through support for career progression and increased financial security and independence. Budget 2019 provided $114 million over five years, with $26.5 million per year, ongoing, to create 500 more master's level scholarship awards annually, and 167 more three-year doctoral scholarship awards annually through the graduate scholarships program. The government also recognizes that students and researchers are facing financial challenges that could be a barrier to pursuing higher education. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government made $450 million available through the Canada research continuity emergency fund with a view to helping our scientists and trainees get through a very difficult period. Looking forward, to deliver an equitable, accessible and effective suite of scholarships and fellowships, the Government of Canada continues its work to promote equity, diversity and inclusion. Budget 2019 invested $37.4 million over five years, and $8.6 million per year, ongoing, to expand parental leave coverage from six months to 12 months for students and post-doctoral fellows to help young researchers better balance work and family. Budget 2019 also invested in bursaries and scholarships for first nations, Inuit and Métis students through a $9-million investment in Indspire, while the granting agencies have partnered with indigenous people to develop a national research program to advance reconciliation. Furthermore, through budget 2022, we invested $40.9 million to support targeted scholarships and fellowships for Black student researchers. We want to promote science in this country, and we will continue to invest in science across our nation.
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Context: House Hansard - 139 - Dec/1/22
Mr. Andy Fillmore
  • Dec/1/22 6:54:06 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, I will conclude my remarks the way I started them by saying that I agree with the member in what he is saying. The government has heard the calls from the research community to increase the value of the scholarships and fellowships, and I am happy to say that we will continue to work with the federal granting agencies and the research community to explore ways to better support our next generation of researchers and top talent. The Government of Canada recognizes that for Canada to achieve its full potential, support for science and research must evolve. We are committed to ensuring that Canadian researchers are positioned for even more success now and in the future, and to better respond to the needs of the modern research enterprise. This is why the government recently announced the launch of the advisory panel on the federal research support system. This panel will provide independent expert policy advice on the structure, governance and management of the federal system supporting research and talent. In a rapidly evolving global science and technology landscape, this panel will advise on how the government can be more effective in fostering research excellence and support downstream innovation to support economic growth, drive breakthroughs and address complex societal changes.
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