Author: Lindsay Borthwick

As the federal government launches a quantum strategy, researchers say nurturing a long-term, cohesive ecosystem is key

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The federal government is leaning on quantum technology to help restore and drive long-term economic growth. But realizing a national quantum strategy will require a sustained commitment, enhanced coordination, and a commitment to addressing the societal, ethical, legal and policy implications of the quantum revolution, Canada’s quantum leaders told Research Money.

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Vaccine independence requires a 21st-Century Connaught Labs, policy experts argue

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The federal and Ontario governments recently announced a $470-million investment to expand Sanofi Pasteur Limited’s vaccine manufacturing capability. But for Canada to be truly self-sufficient in vaccine development and production, critics say other models must be considered—including a 21st-century version of Connaught Labs. 

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New COVID-19 portal aims to nationalize genomic data sharing

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Canada is poised to launch a national portal that will provide a near real-time snapshot of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic across Canada, including the detection and spread of variants of concern. It will also establish the national data infrastructure Canada needs to track future pandemics.

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New federal budget could include funding for a quantum institute as global race for quantum tech heats up

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When Budget 2021 drops on April 19, some of Canada’s quantum researchers and entrepreneurs will be holding their breath. That is because the Standing Committee on Finance published a budget recommendation in February urging the federal government to “financially support the establishment of a quantum computing research institute in the Toronto area, similar to the Vector Institute.”

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New 10-year CIHR strategy focuses on health equity, Indigenous research and knowledge mobilization

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The Canadian Institutes of Health Research has released a strategic plan that calls health equity “the most pressing health-related challenge in our country” and charts a course toward reducing health inequalities across Canada over the next decade. Researchers say inadequate funding and low success rates continue to be major problems, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis, and also need to be addressed.

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Canada launches $53-million strategy to combat COVID-19 variants as experts warn of potential third wave

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Friday a new strategy to address variants of concern in the COVID-19 pandemic. The $53-million strategy aims to rapidly expand Canada’s surveillance, sequencing and research efforts. It brings together the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory, the Canadian COVID Genomics Network (CanCOGen), the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) as well as the provinces and territories.

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New algorithmic assessment tool promotes responsible use of AI in government

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The Algorithmic Impact Assessment (AIA) tool is a critical part of the Treasury Board’s directive on the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in government. A first of its kind, the AIA is designed to assess and reduce the risks of using AI systems in the delivery of services and programs to Canadians. But the impact the tool will have is still unclear. Lauded as an example of innovative policymaking., there are early signs that compliance may be an issue.

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