Of the innovation-related commitments made by the Liberal government, the creation of a Chief Science Advisor is a key one. When a successful candidate is selected this spring, Canada will re-join dozens of nations around the globe that recognize the importance of ensuring government science is firmly wedded to the political and policy spheres.
In this age of science and technology advancement, it’s a no brainer that science and its applications are integral to a nation’s prosperity and connectedness in the world. The elimination of the former Office of the National Advisor was a major misstep which, like the muzzling of scientists and inordinate focus on extractive industries, plunged Canada into a decade of darkness from which we are only now emerging.
A properly resourced and positioned CSA will allow Canadian science to make a far greater impact than it would have otherwise. But it’s not the only advisory mechanism required.
The government has committed to examine the role and function of the Science, Technology and Innovation Council (STIC) to determine whether it should be scrapped, modified or left as is.
The latter would be a mistake. The confidential nature of STIC’s advice to government was an absurd feature that guaranteed division and resentment rather than alignment and consensus. STIC may be a highly effective body (we don’t know because it operates in virtual secrecy). But a revamp and commitment to transparency will go a long way to enhancing the CSA’s role and help make science work for the benefit of all Canadians.
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