Organization: Government of Canada

The Short Report, March 4, 2019: Kirsty Duncan moves for a standing committee on science and research; Alberta cuts post-secondary education funding; Canadian miners make an action plan

The Short Report: New Parliamentary standing committee proposed for science and research; new Protein Industries Supercluster projects; Alberta cuts post-secondary education funding while Ontario increases it; boosting competitiveness of Canada’s mining sector; creating research internships for students; Canadian science for the Moon; developing small nuclear reactor technology; and more.

New federal strategy aims to ensure Indigenous governance of research

Canada’s Tri-Council of major government funding agencies and Indigenous partners across the country have co-developed a new Indigenous research strategic plan. The plan, which proposes a new interdisciplinary research and research screening model, represents a significant new approach by the federal government and a contribution to reconciliation. With implementation starting this spring, the strategy aims to ensure Indigenous peoples lead and control any research involving them.

Huawei benefits outweigh drawbacks for Canada’s 5G network, says veteran telecom expert

Canada can build its 5G networks wthout Huawei, but the Chinese telecom giant’s participation would likely improve innovation, price and delivery. A federal decision on Huawei’s potential role is expected soon. Meanwhile, Rogers Communications, which has partnered with Swedish equipment supplier Ericsson, lit up Canada’s first 5G network last week.

Feds take initial step to counter 40-year decline in Canadian wildfire research

New federal funding aimed at increasing Canada’s resilience to wildfire comes after a steep, 40-year decline in wildfire science and research. With hundreds of forest communities at risk from wildfire, the funding is encouraging but will need to be increased and sustained to make a difference, forest experts say.

Trudeau’s tree-planting plan could hurt more than it helps

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s pledge to plant two billion trees to help reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions is more complex than it sounds. The effort will need to be carefully planned and executed to ensure the trees not only survive but don’t become a future wildfire hazard, forest experts say.