As the federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, I am honoured to contribute to this year’s Canadian Science Policy Magazine, especially as we build momentum toward the 16th annual Canadian Science Policy Conference (CSPC). This year’s theme, “Empowering Society: The Transformative Value of Science, Knowledge, and Innovation,” is particularly timely. In today’s rapidly evolving global science and technology landscape, one thing remains constant: the vital role played by our students and researchers. These bright minds are the backbone of Canadian innovation. At universities, research hospitals, colleges, CÉGEPs and polytechnics across the country, students and researchers are solving the most pressing challenges of today, and their discoveries are launching the businesses of tomorrow. They also train and hire younger Canadians who will go on to become the next generation of innovators.

Canadian students and researchers are the true drivers of innovation. Capitalizing on their ideas, innovations, and hard work is essential in order to keep Canada’s place at the forefront of the world’s advanced economies. That’s why our government is working hard to foster an environment where they can thrive. Our latest budget, in fact, provides $3.5 billion in support to ensure that students and researchers are well-supported to make ground-breaking discoveries and have access to the best resources, state-of-the-art facilities, and ample opportunities for international collaboration.

For example, we have boosted funding for research grants and scholarships, ensuring that more students can pursue their passions. With $38.4 billion in up-front grants and interest-free loans, we have already helped an average of 638,000 low- and middle-income students every year since 2016 to pursue their education. However, many students still need more support to cover rising costs—that’s why we have increased student grants and interest-free loans, at an estimated total cost of $1.1 billion this year.

At the same time, Budget 2024 also provided $825 million over five years, and $199.8 million per year ongoing, to increase support for master’s and doctoral students and post-doctoral fellows. This will allow us to increase the annual value of master’s and doctoral student scholarships to $27,000 and $40,000, respectively, and post-doctoral fellowships to $70,000. This will also increase the number of research scholarships and fellowships we can provide, boosting to approximately 1,720 more graduate students or fellows benefiting each year. And, following advice we heard from the community, we are making it easier for students and fellows to access all this support by streamlining the enhanced suite of scholarships and fellowship programs into one talent program.

It should be noted, however, that many students are not funded via scholarships and fellowships, but rather via research assistantships through their professors’ grants. Indeed, a significant portion of support for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows is paid through stipends or salaries from grant funding awarded to supervising professors. That’s one of the important reasons that this budget increases core research grant funding and support for Canadian researchers, providing $1.8 billion over five years, and $748.3 million per year ongoing for the granting councils.

Like all members of the Canadian workforce, students and researchers need to be equipped with the right tools to do their jobs well. Indeed, state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities are non-negotiable for world-class research . That’s why Budget 2024 also includes $734 million to maintain, upgrade and support new facilities across the country. Whether it’s a high-tech lab at a major university or specialized equipment for important research fields like astroparticle physics and pandemic research, we are ensuring that Canada’s researchers have the world-class facilities they need to lead in global innovation and train the next generation of scientific talent.

As a government, we’re also aware that we must look beyond our own geographic borders. We are living in an era where boundaries in science are virtually nonexistent. That’s why we work hard to grow and maintain networks and collaboration with like-minded partners around the world. Our recent agreement with Horizon Europe, for instance, offers Canadian researchers unprecedented access to collaborate on global projects. This association opens doors for our academics, allowing them to become integral players in addressing global challenges like climate change and health.

Investments in education and research infrastructure are investments in the future. Or as I like to say, today’s research is tomorrow’s economy. These kinds of investments and initiatives have far-reaching implications and a transformative impact on society as a whole. When we support research and researchers, we’re fostering growth across the Canadian economy. Innovative startups and well-established firms alike benefit from the fresh, cutting-edge research coming out of our institutions. This creates jobs, boosts economic activity, and positions Canada as a leader in the global economy.

Let’s unpack this idea with a few examples: our support for students and researchers in the health sciences, for instance, translates directly into better healthcare for Canadians. Projects like the Digital Health Compass II are at the forefront, leveraging AI to cut down administrative burdens on healthcare providers and enhance patient care. This is innovation at its best – making tangible improvements in people’s lives.

How about the challenge of addressing climate change? This is a monumental task, but it’s one we’re tackling head-on. By investing in clean technologies and environmental research, we’re creating sustainable solutions that will protect our planet for future generations. For example, our partnership in initiatives like the Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre exemplifies how research can drive breakthroughs in sustainable tech.

Now, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers and statistics, but at the heart of all this are real people – the dreamers and doers who make innovation possible. That’s why I really want to emphasize that investments in science and technology are also investments in equity and inclusivity. To that end, the Budget provides $30 million to support Indigenous participation in research, with $10 million each for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit partners. A previous investment through Budget 2022 provided $40.9 million over five years, and $9.7 million per year on an ongoing basis, in support for targeted scholarships and fellowships for promising Black researchers. We do all this because, as a government, we are committed to making opportunities for research and innovation accessible to all Canadians, regardless of background. In so doing, we’re not only fostering diversity in thought, but are also ensuring that the benefits of innovation are shared by each and every Canadian.

As we approach the CSPC, I am more optimistic than ever about the path we’re on. The strategic investments we’re making today are setting the stage for a future where Canada leads in science, knowledge, and innovation. By supporting our students and researchers, we’re empowering society as a whole. It’s a transformative journey, one that promises a brighter future for all Canadians.