Budget strengthens social sciences and humanities after decade of underinvestment

OTTAWA, February 27, 2018 — Today’s commitment by the federal government to make sustained new investments in social sciences and humanities research will benefit Canadians and help to reverse years of underinvestment in these disciplines.

Of particular importance is the government’s promise to fund thousands of new research grants through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. This commitment, worth $215 million over the next five years alone, will fuel new insights and discoveries and enable more researchers to contribute solutions to our most pressing challenges, from climate change to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

“This budget is an important down payment on the vision for Canadian research outlined by the government–appointed Fundamental Science Review panel,” said Guy Laforest, President of the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences. “Budget 2018 will contribute to a smart Canada with the knowledge we need to compete in the global economy and thrive as a pluralistic and inclusive federal society.”

The Federation also welcomes today’s commitments to support early career researchers, increase equity and inclusiveness in Canada’s research system, and create an entirely new fund supporting research that is “interdisciplinary, international, fast-breaking and high-risk.”

The Science Review panel report provided a long-term roadmap for building the dynamic research system Canada needs to succeed in the 21st century. To realize this vision, the government will need to build on today’s commitments in the years to come.

“Today’s budget is an important and welcome step forward and the Federation will continue working in partnership with the federal government to ensure that Canadian scholars have the support they need to be world leaders,” said Laforest.

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About the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences

The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences promotes research and teaching for the advancement of an inclusive, democratic and prosperous society. With a membership now comprising over 160 universities, colleges and scholarly associations, the Federation represents a diverse community of 91,000 researchers and graduate students across Canada. The Federation organizes Canada’s largest academic gathering, the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, bringing together more than 8,000 participants each year. For more information about the Federation, visit www.ideas-idees.ca.

Media inquiries

Nicola Katz

Manager of Communications

Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences

C: 613-282-3489

nkatz@ideas-idees.ca

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