OTTAWA, Thursday, November 22, 2018 — The Fall Economic Statement 2018, announced by the Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance, on Wednesday, November 21, 2018, strengthens the federal government’s commitment to a robust research environment and highly skilled workforce—the cornerstones of a globally competitive knowledge-based economy. Research Canada applauds the federal government for its vision and continued confidence in our scientific community.
Research Canada praises the federal government for incorporating a gender-based analysis in all elements of the Statement and in viewing economic progress through the lens of a more equal, generous and sustainable Canada.
“Commitments to improve diversity in the research community through focused investments in the granting councils, data collection initiatives, opportunities for early career researchers and new gender equity planning are encouraging for our sector,” says Dr. Robert McMaster, Chair of Research Canada and VP Research, Vancouver Coastal Health and Executive Director of VCH Research Institute. “These commitments optimize our sector’s capacity to have impact both in terms of new knowledge and its translation into products and services that create jobs and grow the Canadian economy.”
“The federal government should be praised for its focus on competitiveness with bold investments in strategic infrastructure, skills and training, innovation and science as key drivers of long-term growth that will benefit Canadians,” says Dr. Ryan Wiley, Policy Advisor to Research Canada’s Board of Directors and President of Shift Health. The Economic Update continues to build on the previously established Strategic Innovation Fund to support the healthcare and biosciences sector with an additional $800 million investment. The Economic Update also commits to investing in the development of the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP), which is regarded world-wide as one of the best programs of its kind.
The government is also committed to undertaking steps to modernize regulatory standards, to help accelerate the pace of innovation and deliver impact to patients sooner. “Approving new products and services faster, simplifying regulations and reducing costs for our life sciences industries through a harmonized regulatory regime can only build bridges between industry and regulators and foster innovation,” says Deborah Gordon-El-Bihbety, President and CEO of Research Canada.
Research Canada also applauds the government’s recognition of the vital contribution that health charities make to public life and strongly supports its commitment to amend the Income Tax Act to remove the limits on charities’ political activities, allowing them to participate fully in public policy development.
Research Canada looks forward to continuing our work with the Government of Canada to strengthen Canada’s research and science base by investing in the health research that will fuel the next generation of innovations, create new industries, spur job creation and fuel economic growth.
About Research Canada
Research Canada is a national alliance dedicated to increasing investments in health research through collaborative advocacy and engaging government, academia, industry and non-profit sectors to build support for long-term health research funding. For more information, visit rc-rc.ca.
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For inquiries:
Christie Tomkins
Policy and Public Affairs Officer
613-234-5129
ctomkins@rc-rc.ca