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.
Organization: Government of Canada
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.
New national climate institute hunts for a win-win-win on Canada’s low-carbon future
The federal government has committed $20 million to a new climate change institute of more than 60 experts from across the country. The Canadian Institute for Climate Choices will independently assess Ottawa’s climate policies and help develop a road map to Canada’s low-carbon economy
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.
New federal Arctic policy framework faces huge challenges in implementation
The federal government’s new Arctic policy framework faces huge challenges, amid growing calls for “nation-building” action in the North.
CIHR and partners invest $24.5M to study cannabis
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research and partners are investing $24.5 million to explore the health risks and benefits of cannabis.
“Culture change” spurs new era of government collaboration on science, technology and innovation
Spurred by a “culture change,” the federal government has increased collaboration both internally and externally on science, technology and innovation.
Alberta commits $100M to grow province’s AI sector
The Alberta government is committing $100 million over five years to attract more AI companies to invest in the province.