New federal investments in Canadian science and research will create a better future

Ontario’s universities welcome the new federal investments in Canadian science and scholarship announced by Finance Minister Bill Morneau in today’s budget because investing in university research is an investment in a better future.

University research leads to the innovations that boost Canadians’ health and quality of life, spurs business activity, boosts jobs, and creates a better future for students, communities and the province.

The funding announced today is recognition by the government of Canada that university research is a vital ingredient in the country’s long-term wealth and prosperity.

The budget commits $3.8 billion over five years. This includes substantial increases for the major federal research granting councils and investments in the infrastructure needed to support high-quality research. The budget recognizes the value of fundamental science as well as the need to develop sectors such as big data and advanced computing.

We also applaud the federal government’s aims to increase diversity within the research community and to provide dynamic opportunities for early-career researchers from Ontario and around the world.

Daniel Woolf 
Chair of the Council of Ontario Universities
Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University