Science, research and innovation policy in Canada

November 9, 2023

National Flags of Canada and Vancouver City skyscrapers skyline — image: @CHENG FENG CHIANG | iStock

Open Access Government provides background and updates on Canada’s science, research and innovation policy

Five years ago, it was reported that Budget 2018 was Canada’s most significant investment in science and university research. The budget invests in people and ideas to create a stronger, more prosperous Canada by increasing diversity in science and nurturing future research leaders. Budget 2018 funds innovative research infrastructure through the Canada Foundation for Innovation for five years. (1)

Through Budget 2018, new investments of almost $4 billion in five years support Canada’s next generation of researchers and scientists.

The Government of Canada, therefore, invests in innovators shaping the future of how we live. (2)

For more helpful background, it is worth looking at a comprehensive table presenting budgetary expenditures from 2017 to 2022. You can also take time to look at previous budgets, such as Budget Plan 2019, Budget 2021 or Budget 2022 for more detailed information.

Also, you may know that due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the Canadian Government did not present a federal budget in 2020. Instead, it presented several economic updates and stimulus plans during the year. (3) It’s interesting that Budget 2021 sought to “finish the fight against COVID-19 – and ensure a resilient economic recovery that creates good jobs and growth for all Canadians,” as the Honourable Mélanie Joly described. (4)

And, of course, we know that Budget 2023 seeks to create a stronger, more sustainable, and safer country – for all Canadians. (5) In the Budget 2023 foreword, the Deputy Prime Minister states that Canada has experienced a remarkable turnaround from the effects of the COVID-19 recession. (6)

Canadian Leadership and excellence

Against this background of budgets for research funding, The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of the Government of Canada, discussed developing Canadian Leadership and excellence in science and innovation. Minister Champagne believes investing in science and innovation is essential when discussing COVID-19 or climate change.

The Minister added that science and evidence-based decision-making, research funded by the Government of Canada, leads to discoveries that benefit society and provide strategic benefits for Canada. This is the driving force behind the Canadian Government’s historic science and research investment level. “Since 2016, our government has invested more than $14 billion in science and research-related initiatives,” Minister Champagne said. (7)

Science, research and innovation policy and support

The Government of Canada support for science, research and innovation is evidenced in so many areas, including innovative medicines, cyber security threats, the EV battery supply chain, medical isotope production, innovative technologies for Canada’s mining sector, and supporting women entrepreneurs in Quebec.

Spectrum innovation in Canada

Another incredible example of innovation in Canada concerns Spectrum Outlook 2023-2027, the Canadian Government’s plan to use spectrum to provide affordable and quality telecom services, accelerate 5G deployment, enhance rural connectivity, support the deployment of wireless technologies that address climate change and work towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

“When put to good use, spectrum can drive innovation, improve rural connectivity, promote competition and even support efforts to address climate change. The Government of Canada will continue to make more of this important public resource available and ensure it is quickly used to strengthen the telecom services Canadians depend on,” Minister Champagne said in August 2023. (8)

Research to inform policymaking

In today’s economy, Canadians need a fair and secure marketplace. Minister Champagne provided more detail on this exciting example of research, which includes themes such as digital consumer safety, sustainable consumption and circular economy, financial sector and systemic obstacles for consumers, and affordability.

“By funding research that informs policy-making on priority consumer issues, such as affordability and the removal of systematic barriers, we are protecting the most vulnerable people in our communities. By providing support to consumer organizations, we are helping strengthen their capacity to equip consumers with the information they need to be confident marketplace participants.” (9)

Artificial intelligence innovation

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the most significant technological advancement of our time, and is one of many examples of investment for Canada’s future but it impacts many policy areas. The Government of Canada recognizes supporting AI’s responsible development and deployment is essential.

Canada is home to some of the world’s leading AI researchers and the world’s first fully funded AI strategy. Minister Champagne provided insight into responsible AI research. “Canada will continue to lead on AI research, governance and innovation, including in drug discovery, health technology and climate change mitigation.” (10)

Past, current and future research

What would happen to past, current and future research without the budgets mentioned at the beginning of this article? This is a question worth considering.