Science touches all aspects of our lives. Virtually every policy issue that decision-makers face today can benefit from scientific evidence and technologies, especially as we consider the ever-growing complexity of challenges related to climate change, food security, social inequality, future pandemics, and so much more.

In our pre-budget submission ahead of budget 2024, we urged the Government of Canada to make bold investments in science and research for our collective good. Our recommendations were:

Recommendation 1: That the government strengthen Canadian science and research by investing in talent through scholarships and fellowships, and through core federal granting council funding.

• • Recommendation 1.1: Increase the number of graduate scholarships and post-doctoral fellowships, increase their value by 50%, and index the amount to the consumer price index moving forward.
  • Recommendation 1.2: Increase the core funding of federal granting councils by a minimum of 10% annually for five years.

Recommendation 2: That the government invest in federal government science, and support the full implementation of the Scientific Integrity Policies.

• • Recommendation 2.1: Commit to restoring funding for intramural science to 2010-2011 levels.
  • Recommendation 2.2: Ensure that science-based departments and agencies have the appropriate resources to fully implement their Scientific Integrity Policies.

Recommendation 3: That the government commit funds to develop a National Science Strategy to enhance coordination, and long-term planning and investments across the research and innovation system.

You can read our full submission to the consultation here.

For guidance on how to participate in the pre-budget consultation process, visit our resources or contact us (info@evidencefordemocracy.ca).