SoVote

Mr. Peter Julian (New Westminster—Burnaby, NDP)

Feb/9/24 12:48:14 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I have attended several Acfas conferences, where francophone researchers from across Canada and Quebec share information vital to the future of applied sciences and several other sectors. It is extremely important that the federal government understand the importance of funding research in French in equal measure to research in English. In British Columbia, the province I represent, we have a growing number of francophones. The percentage of francophones continues to increase. There are more and more people doing research there. Does my colleague agree that it is important to provide funding for research in French and that it is just as important for that funding to be available across Canada?

112 words

Context: House Hansard - 279 - Feb/9/24

Mr. Maxime Blanchette-Joncas

Feb/9/24 12:54:26 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I salute my fellow member of the Standing Committee on Science and Research. I think we can agree on a few things. I know exactly what he is talking about. I would suggest that he look at the proportion of francophones who apply for funding in French compared to English. It is fine to say that 75% of francophone researchers in Canada qualify for Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council funding, but let us take a look at the facts. I have the numbers here: Only 5% to 12% of funding applications are written in French, even though 21% of researchers in Canada are francophone. That means that 50% of francophone researchers in Canada apply for funding in English. They do it because it is easier to get approved. What the report says is true. For the three granting agencies, funding rates are higher for requests in French, but that is not representative of the proportion of francophone researchers. Francophones in Canada are forced to apply for funding in English in the hope of obtaining funding.

178 words

Context: House Hansard - 279 - Feb/9/24

Mr. Richard Cannings (South Okanagan—West Kootenay, NDP)

Feb/9/24 1:20:28 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, as my colleague across the way mentioned, this is a global situation where the vast majority of scientific research is now published in English. It has become the lingua franca of science in the world. There is very little we can do about that trend in Canada. However, what we can do is support francophone researchers in their work, so that Canadians who want to work in French can do their research in French and can apply for federal funding in French and get the support they need. One of the recommendations was to have an office within the scientific advisory for the government. Dr. Mona Nemer could have a francophone office under her that could really keep an eye on this situation, find ways to monitor the situation and find ways to make sure francophone researchers get their support.

142 words

Context: House Hansard - 279 - Feb/9/24

Hon. Ruby Sahota

Feb/9/24 1:21:45 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I hear that she will be coming before committee to make a presentation as to her thoughts on this. I think it is a good suggestion. I agree with the member that there is a global trend that is difficult for Canada to stop. However, it is about being able to provide equitable choice here in Canada. I do feel strongly about making sure that the choice is not a fake choice, but that the choice is real, and those researchers and scientists who wish to publish their material in French get every opportunity to do so.

99 words