Federal budget 2015 invests in research and innovation

News
April 21, 2015

OTTAWA, April 21, 2015 – The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences welcomes the government’s future investments in research funding announced in today’s federal budget.

“New investments  announced today in Canada’s research granting councils, in Mitacs, CANARIE and  in Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) underscore the invaluable role these institutions play in advancing research excellence and ensuring a leadership role for Canada in knowledge production and innovation,” said Stephen Toope, President of the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences.

“Investment in cross-disciplinary research is key to the development of Canada’s knowledge-based economy and society.  For this reason, the details for some of these investments (including rollout and proposed earmarking) should be thought through to maximize impacts. Greater recognition of the contribution of humanities and social sciences research to Canada’s future is still needed,” Toope added.

The Federation’s pre-budget recommendations were to increase investment to the three granting councils and to CFI, create opportunities for international study and internships for university students, extend social innovation funding, and improve access to post-secondary education for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students.   

“New investments in Budget 2015 in Indspire scholarships and bursaries for Aboriginal students are a positive contribution,” notes Toope. “Much more is needed from government and all sectors of society to renew and deepen a commitment to achieve real and just reconciliation with Aboriginal Peoples.”

“Canada’s humanities and social science community is acutely aware of the vital role that our students and researchers will play in Canada’s social, cultural, economic and digital future,” noted Jean-Marc Mangin, Executive Director of the Federation.  “For this reason, Canada requires equitable, long-term and stable funding that improves access to education, mobility and people-centred, discovery-based research.  Today’s announcements are a step in the right direction.”

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Media inquiries:

Nicola Katz
Manager, Communications
Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
613-238-6112, ext. 351
nkatz@ideas-idees.ca

About the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences

The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences promotes research, learning and an understanding of the contributions made by the humanities and the social sciences towards a free and democratic society. Established in 1940, with a membership now comprising 160+ universities, colleges and scholarly associations, the Federation represents a diverse community of 85,000 researchers and graduate students across Canada. The Federation organizes Canada’s largest academic gathering, the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, bringing together more than 8,000 participants each year. For more information about the Federation, visit www.ideas-idees.ca.