Irresponsible of feds to download funding of national research tools to universities

The Conservative government’s backward approach to science is harming our economy domestically, our ability to compete internationally, and our long-term capacity to innovate. Often the Conservative policies that hinder science and innovation in Canada are a bit abstract, and the consequences of these misguided policies take a while to come to light: muzzling scientists, lapsed funding for innovation and limiting resources available to federal scientists all come to mind. But other times, the Conservative government’s decisions are far more clear-cut. Take, for example, the Conservative government’s inaction that is currently threatening Canada’s National Ultrahigh-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Facility for Solids in Ottawa. The NMR Facility is widely considered to be one of the most advanced scientific instruments of its kind in Canada; it is essentially a giant magnet used to determine molecular structure. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance sounds complicated, but it is basically like a microscope: a workhorse research tool to look at, measure and discover all sorts of things about materials on the molecular scale. This leading-edge research facility positions Canada to be at the forefront of discoveries in chemistry, biology and materials science. Research tools like those available at the NMR Facility don’t always make for high-profile press conferences and photo ops, but they are critical to ensuring that Canada stays competitive and innovative on the world stage. That is why I was shocked to learn that the Conservative government declined to make the modest contribution of $300,000 per year to the facility, opting instead to begin the controlled decommissioning of the NMR Facility. I was shocked by this decision not to fund the NMR Facility for a few reasons. First, the Canadian government has already contributed $4.4-million to the Facility through the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) with further funds coming from the National Research Council (NRC), provincial governments and industry partners. Now this significant investment in scientific infrastructure only requires modest funding to maintain operations. Supplying sufficient operating funds to ensure we get the most out of capital investments in research infrastructure is a long-running issue which this government should be well aware of. Second, the NMR Facility is an important research hub that brings an elite group of scientists to Ottawa for research. Prominent Canadian researchers from more than 20 Canadian universities, a range of scientists from the NRC and many private companies have used the NMR Facility. Foreign scientists also work out of Ottawa’s leading-edge facility, and it is an important site for training future researchers and for international collaboration. In fact, members of the international science community have publicly stated that the decision to cease funding the NMR Facility in Ottawa will “affect future generations of scientists” and will “put a blemish on Canadian science policy.” Now, only operational funding is required to maintain this world-class research facility. Compared to the millions of dollars in investments that have already been made to the facility, as well as the value of the research, collaboration and training opportunities emerging from the facility, these operating funds are quite minimal. It costs about $100,000 to lease the physical space, and approximately $200,000 in annual operating expenses. According to NSERC’s website, the Conservative government has suspended the Major Resources Support Program “as part of efforts to return to balanced budgets.” Eliminating this funding source has meant that the leading-edge NMR Facility would be forced to decommission leading up to March 2015. In response, the NRC has waived the $100,000 annual lease for 18 months, and eight major universities have contributed operational funding to ensure that this important scientific tool will continue to be available to Canadian researchers. From 1998 to 2006, Liberal governments presented eight consecutive balanced budgets, leaving the Conservative government with a $14-billion surplus that they exhausted in only two years. Stephen Harper’s government has now presented seven consecutive deficits and they have delayed this year’s budget and slashed important programs like the Major Resources Support Program. It is irresponsible for the government to download funding of important national research tools to universities. These tools enable our scientists to undertake the basic research that will drive Canada’s ability to compete, collaborate and innovate on the world stage. Liberal MP Ted Hsu, who represents Kingston and the Islands, Ont., is his party’s innovation critic. news@hilltimes.com The Hill Times

Irresponsible of feds to download funding of national research tools to universities

These tools enable our scientists to undertake the basic research that will drive Canada’s ability to compete, collaborate and innovate on the world stage.

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Irresponsible of feds to download funding of national research tools to universities

These tools enable our scientists to undertake the basic research that will drive Canada’s ability to compete, collaborate and innovate on the world stage.

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