The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, outlines the country’s agriculture and agrifood system to demonstrate its scientific and research advancements
In Canada, we understand that science and research are fundamental to our long-term economic well-being – or, as I often like to put it, “today’s research is tomorrow’s economy.” It’s simple, really: scientific research provides a bedrock for us to build Canadian innovation, productivity, and competitiveness in the global market.
Science and research in Canada
Our research institutions and universities are hubs of talent and knowledge, nurturing the skilled workforce our country needs to sustain ongoing economic growth for generations to come. What’s more, as a government, we understand that scientific research underpins policy decisions. It allows legislators to create sound, evidence-based strategies that enhance public health, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
We have always believed in science. In 2015, we moved quickly to re-establish its role at the heart of our government’s priorities, from reinstating the long-form census to rebuilding trust between our scientists, our government, and Canadians and re-establishing the role of Chief Science Advisor.
We also made record investments in Canadian research – the kind of work that leads to new vaccines and medical breakthroughs, solutions to fight climate change and ground-breaking new technology.
In fact, since 2015, we have invested over $22 billion in science and research initiatives, including infrastructure, emerging talent, and other science and technology support measures. We are boosting innovation in key areas such as agriculture, IT, biotechnology, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. These sectors, in turn, drive cross-economy growth by creating high-value jobs, attracting foreign investment, and fostering new business opportunities.
The Canadian agriculture and agrifood system
Take the Canadian agriculture and agrifood system, for example. Valued at over $160 billion, it provides one in eight jobs in our country. As you can imagine, our government is keen to support its ongoing health and growth through targeted investments, like the one we made in the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network. This cross-Canada network is establishing a smart farm platform to help with the automation of agricultural tasks. It brings together technology suppliers, industry, and academia to develop AI-driven solutions that boost efficiency, create skilled jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land and water use, and pesticide reliance.
The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is also driving advancements in food innovation, from sustainable agriculture and aquaculture to high-value food products and processing, and smart solutions for food quality and safety. A standout is their Sustainable Protein Production program, which is expected to drive over $4.5 billion in GDP growth from plant-based protein over the next decade. With global demand for plant proteins soaring, this program aims to increase the value of plant-based proteins and their co-products, positioning Canada as a key player in the global market.
Agriculture is a critical sector that unfolds significant challenges, and this is what science is fundamentally about: addressing these challenges and delivering innovative solutions. We know investments in research and talent are essential to powering discoveries and innovative breakthroughs in a broad range of domains.
Investing in Canada’s ecosystem
To this end, our latest federal budget brought in a range of measures to continue strengthening Canada’s ecosystem. Among them is a major investment of $1.8 billion for the federal granting agencies to increase core research funding and support Canadian researchers. Additionally, the budget features investments designed to boost Canada’s artificial intelligence and space research advantages.
It also provides $825 million to increase the value and number of research scholarships and fellowships for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Plus, we’re investing $608 million in our top-tier research facilities, which are the beating heart of Canada’s scientific breakthroughs and future economic growth.
These kinds of ongoing investments underscore Canada’s commitment to ensuring our research ecosystem is well-supported and that we are well-positioned to lead. By continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible, science and research are empowering Canada and Canadians to adapt to emerging challenges, capitalize on new opportunities, and maintain a high standard of living. I am proud that Canada’s strong foundation in science and research not only supports current economic stability but also ensures long-term prosperity and resilience in today’s ever-evolving global landscape.
