Broad perspectives breed great science

On Nov. 2, Science Minister Kirsty Duncan addressed the Canadian Science Policy Conference to discuss the federal government’s plan to boost fundamental research in Canada. The following text is an edited excerpt of her speech. I’d like to share my vision of science. It is a vision that sees Canadian science as a re-energized, forward-looking, and bold global pursuit. We are at a unique moment in history where Canada is viewed around the world as “a beacon” for science. Right now, Canada is seen around the world as a progressive country empowering its scientists to make breakthroughs that could change the way we understand ourselves and the world around us. My friends, I believe we have an opportunity to seize the moment and fulfil a vision that promotes Canada as an internationally recognized champion of science and scientists. To achieve this vision, my priorities can be summed up in three points: to strengthen science; to strengthen evidence-based decision-making; and to strengthen our culture of curiosity. We rely on facts, science, and evidence-based decision-making. We have reinstated the long-form census because we know that data matters. We unmuzzled scientists. We acted on scientists’ advice, banning asbestos to protect the health and safety of Canadians. Other measures include instituting new equity requirements in the Canada Excellence Research Chairs and Canada Research Chairs programs. I gave universities a deadline of this December to submit an action plan to meet their equity targets in the CRC program or risk having their new funding under this program pulled. I would also like to speak about my efforts to strengthen fundamental science. I commissioned the fundamental science review, the first of its kind in over 40 years. I agree with the majority of the review panel’s recommendations and am taking action to implement many of them. I expressed my support for replacing the Science, Technology, and Innovation Council with a more nimble, public-facing advisory body. In the coming months, I will move forward with a new, more open and transparent science and innovation council so that government can benefit from independent experts working in these fields. Last week, I launched the Canada Research Coordinating Committee, known as the CRCC. I’ve asked the members of the committee, which include the presidents of the three granting councils and of the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, to submit a work plan in the next two months to map out how they will address issues such as: how Canada can increase its capacity to support international, multidisciplinary, risky and rapid-response research; how we can collectively advance our efforts to support Canada’s strengths in strategic research areas; and what more can be done to increase equity and diversity and improve support for early-career researchers. I have been clear with the committee that I expect results and changes that will facilitate the work of Canadian researchers. Earlier today, I capped the renewal of Tier 1 Canada Research Chairs—one of the most prestigious research programs in our country. The cap will also ensure greater diversity in research chair positions. That means more women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities working in the sciences will have a shot at holding one of these chairs. I don’t think I need to make the case to this group that when our research community includes people from diverse backgrounds with unique experiences, knowledge, and perspectives, we are all one step closer to the next breakthrough idea or discovery. Broad perspectives breed great science. In addition to the people powering science, our government has made good on its promise to invest in ways that strengthen our capacity for world-class research. For example, the $900-million Canada First Research Excellence Fund supports Canadian researchers who are taking on grand initiatives such as quantum computing, stem cell research, and brain science. We also allocated $125-million to enhance Canada’s international reputation for excellence in artificial intelligence. And you know, I fulfilled my top mandate commitment by naming Dr. Mona Nemer as Canada’s new chief science adviser. Dr. Nemer will gather the most cutting-edge science and present her impartial advice to me, the prime minister, and cabinet. As minister of science, I will incorporate her findings at the cabinet table so that we can make decisions that affect the lives of Canadians. And finally, our government is strengthening the culture of curiosity in Canada. That’s why I launched a Choose Science campaign to help more young people, along with their parents, relatives, teachers, and mentors, see a future career for themselves in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, the arts, and design. We know that science touches all aspects of our lives and that research will be the key to our future. That’s why our government places such value on it, and on the policies that strengthen our research community, and our culture of science. Kirsty Duncan is the federal science minister and Liberal MP for Etobicoke North, Ont. The Hill Times