OTTAWA, March 22, 2016 – The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences applauds the government’s significant commitment to discovery research funding announced in today’s federal budget.
“New investments of $141M to the granting councils—including $23M to the core budget for the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council—demonstrate the government’s commitment to making Canada a leader in knowledge production and innovation,” said Stephen Toope, President of the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences. “This represents the highest amount in new annual funding for discovery research in more than a decade, significantly strengthening Canada’s research portfolio.”
“Investment in research about people and society is essential to inform policy, build an innovative, inclusive economy and engage citizens. We are pleased to see the government is taking steps in Budget 2016 to rebalance its investments in a way that better recognizes the contributions of humanities and social sciences research in building Canada’s future,” Toope added. “We look forward to collaborating with the government on its comprehensive review of federal support for discovery research and in the development of an ambitious innovation agenda for Canada,” he continued.
The Federation’s pre-budget recommendations were to: invest in research through significant increases in granting council funding; create opportunities for student mobility; and improve access to post-secondary education for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and support research and programming for reconciliation.
“The unprecedented investments in Budget 2016 for Indigenous students will contribute to closing the K-12 education gap for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. This is a critical issue for Canada that will require sustained national efforts by all partners—including at the post-secondary level,” noted Jean-Marc Mangin, Executive Director of the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences. “This type of investment will yield tangible results and make Canada a better place for all children and youth.”
Budget 2016 sets in motion many of the measures required to establish an agenda for an inclusive and prosperous knowledge society. These include promoting greater access to post-secondary education for low income families and expanding opportunities for hands-on learning.
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Media inquiries:
Nicola Katz
Manager of Communications
Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
T: 613-238-6112, ext. 351
C: 613-282-3489
nkatz@ideas-idees.ca
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.