e-4508 (Awards and honours)

The Government of Canada recognizes that investment in research and talent is critical to driving discoveries and innovative breakthroughs that generate social, health, and economic benefits for Canadians, as well as to help train the next generation of diverse research leaders. Since 2016, Canada has committed more than $16 billion to support the valuable contributions that scientists and researchers make to the health, well-being, and prosperity of all Canadians.

Through Budget 2021, the government announced a total of $1 billion to strengthen research systems and talent pipelines for biomanufacturing and life sciences, through the Tri-Council Canada Biomedical Research Fund, the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Clinical Trials Fund. Budget 2021 also provided $360 million to launch the National Quantum Strategy to amplify Canada's significant strength in quantum research, grow our quantum-ready technologies and talent, and solidify Canada's leadership in the field.

The Government of Canada acknowledges the critical role that federal scholarships and fellowships play in nurturing and sustaining Canada’s top talent through support for career progression and increased financial security and independence. The government also recognizes that a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive Canadian research enterprise is essential for creating innovative impactful research. To this end, the granting agencies are continuing their work to increase opportunities for Black student researchers, using the funding received in Budget 2022 for targeted scholarships and fellowships.

More recently, through Budget 2023, the government proposed $813.6 million in 2023-24 to increase Canada Student Grants by 40 percent, providing up to $4,200 for full-time students, to support postsecondary students and make life more affordable. Budget 2023 further proposes to raise the interest-free Canada Student Loan limit from $210 to $300 per week of study, and waive the requirement for mature students, aged 22 years or older, to undergo credit screening in order to qualify for federal student grants and loans for the first time, allowing up to 1,000 additional students to benefit from federal aid in the coming year.

Budget 2023 also proposed $197.7 million in 2024-25 to the Student Work Placement Program to continue creating quality work-integrated learning opportunities for students through partnerships between employers and post-secondary institutions. This investment will support students in gaining the necessary skills, education, and real-life work experience to transition successfully into the workforce.

Looking forward, the Government of Canada remains committed to supporting a strong federal system that fosters new ideas, breakthroughs, and advancements. In order to cement Canada’s leadership position on the world stage, our research support system must meet the needs of today’s research, which is increasingly complex, collaborative, multi- and inter-disciplinary, and international. To these ends, the government recognizes the importance of continued evaluation of and investment in Canada’s science and research ecosystem. The government welcomes the Advisory Panel on the Federal Research Support System’s report and is carefully reviewing the findings and recommendations, and taking them under consideration as it advances its efforts to support the research ecosystem and Canada’s top talent.