FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Ottawa, March 21, 2013 – In light of the Government’s overall fiscal framework, the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences is pleased with the federal government’s commitment to maintain overall research funding at current levels, as announced in today’s budget.
“Continued funding will help mobilize some of our country’s best research talent, turning creative ideas and innovative concepts into tangible economic, social, and political progress,” stated Graham Carr, president of the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences. “Increased support in strengthening partnerships and collaboration between all stakeholders in the knowledge economy will create new opportunities for Canadians.”
“We also welcome the new investments for international education including for Mitacs Globalink Program, and for the participation of our First Nations in higher education through Indspire. And we are pleased that the granting councils will retain their capacity to support exciting new peer-reviewed research that is essential to building the knowledge society,” Dr. Carr added. New investments through the Canada Foundation for Innovation and through Genome Canada are also welcome in sustaining Canada`s research infrastructure.
Of note is the announcement of $7 million per year for the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. These funds will in part support research related to the labour market participation of persons with disabilities.
While these investments are positive steps, the research leadership that Canada enjoys in several areas of the arts, humanities, and social sciences will require continued and new investments in future years.
“As this budget recognizes, leading edge research isn’t something we can switch on and off – it requires a sustained commitment to continue moving forward,” said Dr. Carr. “We look forward to working with all stakeholders, including the federal government, to ensure Canada’s research and training remains competitive globally. Investments in research and training are investments in Canada’s future in a global knowledge economy.”
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The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences is the national voice for Canada’s 85,000 scholars, students and practitioners in the humanities and social sciences. Read the Federation’s Budget 2013 highlights here.
Media inquiries:
Mélanie Béchard
Communications Officer
Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
613-238-6112 ext. 303