Science and Research

This meeting of the Science and Research Committee focused on a proposed law about creating and sharing scientific information in French. The committee heard from representatives of three universities and colleges, as well as from government departments and a teachers' association, about how to improve French-language research in Canada. Key speakers from La Cité Collégiale, Université de Moncton, and Université de Montréal all supported the advisory panel's report, which recommends strengthening French in science. Lynn Casimiro from La Cité emphasized the importance of collaboration between institutions and dedicated funding for French research. Francis LeBlanc from Université de Moncton highlighted the need for fair funding distribution, especially for smaller universities outside Quebec, and supported a graduate scholarship program for French-speaking students. Francis Gingras from Université de Montréal stressed that new investments should build on existing successful programs and infrastructure, like the Érudit platform and the Circé Network, which help share French research. Government representatives and the Canadian Association of University Teachers also shared their views. Yalla Sangaré from the teachers' association urged the government to quickly implement the report's recommendations with steady funding. Nipun Vats from the Department of Industry discussed ongoing efforts to support French research, such as improving funding access and supporting French scholarly journals. Karen Cahill and Julie Lefebvre from the National Research Council of Canada explained their efforts to promote bilingualism in their research and publications. Committee members discussed the term "anglonormativity" and whether the new Official Languages Act has changed the culture within government departments regarding French research. There was also discussion about the fairness of research funding distribution, particularly for French-language universities and specific research chairs. The committee decided that drafting instructions for a separate study on Canada's dual-use research needs would be due by October 23. They also planned to decide on the topic for the next study by the Conservative party soon.

The Science and Research Committee met to discuss a report on supporting scientific information in French. The main topic was how to better support French-language research and researchers in Canada, especially outside Quebec. Key speakers included Linda Cardinal, a professor and co-chair of the advisory panel that wrote the report, and Tanja Niemann, executive director of Consortium Érudit, a platform for sharing research. Professor Cardinal highlighted that French is often treated as a minor language in Canadian research, not an official one. She pointed out that there are biases against French-speaking researchers, especially in minority communities, where success rates for research projects are lower. She recommended that the government accept all the panel's suggestions, including investing $40 million annually into a fund for French research, creating a secretariat to coordinate French research, and publishing a plan for how these changes will be made. Tanja Niemann from Érudit explained that making research available in French is crucial for its impact, especially for local communities. She noted that Érudit, which publishes Canadian scientific journals, sees high demand for French articles, even internationally. She supported the call for $40 million in funding and asked for stable, long-term funding for digital platforms like Érudit, recognizing them as essential services for Canadian research. Committee members asked about how francophones outside Quebec were included in the study and what role federal granting agencies played. They also discussed the challenge of finding enough reviewers who can assess research applications in French. While some agencies, like the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), have made efforts, there's still a recognized need for more consistent support and a clear strategy across all federal research funding bodies. The committee also touched on the idea of a "francophone lens" to guide decision-making and ensure fair treatment for French research. No final decisions were made at this meeting, but the committee members expressed interest in the recommendations. They requested more information from the granting agencies on how they plan to implement the report's suggestions and how they've responded to previous recommendations on supporting French research.

The Science and Research Committee met to discuss a report on creating and sharing scientific information in French. The main goal was to figure out how to better support French research in Canada, especially since English is currently much more common in science. Key speakers included representatives from Acfas (a French-language science association), the Association of Canadian University Presses, the Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC), the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (FCFA), and the Université du Québec. Acfas highlighted their existing French research support service (SARF), which helps researchers write grant applications in French, and suggested it needs long-term funding and a transitional budget. They also noted that the success rate for SARF-supported applications is actually higher than the national average. The university presses emphasized the need for more funding for scholarly publishing and translation programs, as current grants haven't increased in 20 years. Other speakers discussed the importance of French research for economic prosperity and for supporting French-speaking communities, especially outside Quebec. They pointed out that French-language universities receive a smaller share of federal research funding now compared to 25 years ago, even though they produce excellent research. A major recommendation was to set a target for 25% of federal research funding to go to French-language institutions. The committee also discussed the role of artificial intelligence in French research and the need for better data collection on French-language scientific output. The committee approved a budget of $15,300 for the study and will continue discussions in upcoming meetings.

The committee continued its study on how Canada can meet its defence research needs, hearing from various experts about using Canadian innovation and manufacturing. The discussion focused on how Canadian companies and schools can help develop new technologies and train workers for Canada's defence and security. Representatives from Bombardier, the Council of Canadian Innovators, and Wuxly Defence shared their views. Bombardier highlighted its role in making aircraft that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, and its importance to Canada's economy. The Council of Canadian Innovators explained that many Canadian companies find it easier to sell their advanced products to other countries because dealing with the Canadian government can be difficult. Wuxly Defence showed how Canadian companies can quickly produce essential gear for soldiers, emphasizing the need for the government to buy Canadian-made products. Colleges and Institutes Canada explained how colleges help businesses develop new technologies and train skilled workers for defence jobs. The National Research Council talked about its long history in defence research, including work on drones and quantum technologies. Niagara College shared how it is creating new programs to train students specifically for defence-related careers. A key point raised by many was the need for the Canadian government to improve its buying process, making it simpler for Canadian companies to get contracts. Witnesses also stressed the importance of keeping new inventions and ideas (intellectual property) in Canada and investing more in research and development. They recommended better support for colleges and universities to help develop the workforce and new technologies for Canada's defence. The committee did not make any decisions at this meeting. Instead, the committee members will use the information gathered from these discussions to help them write a report and decide on future work.

The Science and Research committee held a meeting with Dr. Mona Nemer, Canada's Chief Science Adviser, to discuss her role and a wide range of science-related topics in Canada. Dr. Nemer outlined her main duties, which include providing scientific advice for public policy, promoting excellent research, building public trust in science, and encouraging international science partnerships. She highlighted her recent advice to the government on developing strategies for nuclear fusion and for measuring and protecting natural resources, as well as efforts to update research rules for the age of artificial intelligence and support science in French. Committee members questioned Dr. Nemer on several government decisions, including a lack of consultation with her office regarding proposed job cuts in agricultural science and a proposed law about pest control products. Dr. Nemer expressed disappointment about reductions in the science workforce and stressed the importance of steady funding for research. She also discussed the need for clear and open government consultations, such as those for the artificial intelligence strategy, to maintain public trust in science. Dr. Nemer also spoke about the benefits of international science cooperation, noting that Canada has received over $100 million from European research programs thanks to these efforts. She acknowledged the challenge of turning Canadian scientific discoveries into Canadian companies and the importance of protecting new inventions. When asked about combating scientific misinformation, she emphasized that it requires a collective effort from society and that people need to be able to think critically about information sources. She also affirmed that promoting diversity in science does not reduce the quality of research. No formal decisions were made by the committee during this meeting. Dr. Nemer indicated that her office is currently working on recommendations to help speed up the process of turning scientific discoveries into new products and services, and to better track the impact of government investments in research. She also stated her willingness to lead an office dedicated to promoting science in French if the government were to ask her.

The Science and Research committee met to learn about the work of the National Research Council (NRC). Mr. Mitch Davies, the President of the NRC, and his team explained what the NRC does, its goals, and its current projects, including how it supports Canadian innovation and research. Committee members asked Mr. Davies about the NRC's budget and planned job cuts. He confirmed that the NRC is reducing its spending by over $190 million by 2028-29, which will lead to about 510 job losses. These cuts are happening in research areas that are not as central to their main plan and in internal support services. Mr. Davies also mentioned that some affected employees have already received notice. The NRC's main research areas include quantum and digital technologies, health and biomanufacturing, climate change, and foundational research. Mr. Davies highlighted the NRC's long history in artificial intelligence (AI) and how they are using it internally, working with companies like Cohere, and contributing to Canada's defence strategy with nearly $1 billion in new funding for defence research. He also discussed how the NRC supports small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) through its Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP), which helps nearly 10,000 businesses annually. Committee members also asked about diversity in the NRC's workforce, especially for women, Indigenous people, and people with disabilities. Mr. Davies stated that the NRC aims for its staff to reflect Canada's diversity and that they are actively working to recruit from under-represented groups, though more work is needed for Indigenous people and people with disabilities. He also spoke about the NRC's strong partnerships with universities and colleges to train young Canadians in new technologies and its international collaborations, such as co-chairing Eureka, a global innovation network. No specific decisions were made by the committee during this briefing. However, Mr. Davies committed to providing more detailed information in writing about the provincial breakdown of job cuts and the impact of budget reductions on research centers and programs, especially for Quebec. The meeting served as an update on the NRC's operations and future plans.

The committee discussed Canada's needs for research that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, known as "dual-use" technologies, and how to improve the country's defence research efforts. The first part of the meeting heard from officials from the Department of National Defence and Public Safety Canada. Wendy Hadwen from National Defence explained that Canada is increasing its defence spending to meet NATO targets and is developing a "Defence Industrial Strategy" to build up Canadian defence businesses. She highlighted "dual-use" technologies like drones, which have both military and civilian uses. Dr. Kate Kaminska, also from National Defence, introduced BOREALIS, a new group aimed at speeding up how quickly research becomes useful for defence and security, including setting up "Defence Innovation Secure Hubs" (DISHs) where companies and researchers can work together. Dr. Adam Green from Public Safety Canada talked about protecting Canadian research from foreign threats, mentioning the Research Security Centre which helps universities with security advice and reviews grant applications. Committee members asked about specific defence purchases, the role of gender and race in funding decisions, and how DND works with universities and other government groups. The second part of the meeting featured experts from colleges and universities. Dr. Mike Commito from Cambrian College emphasized the role of colleges in practical, "applied" research, training skilled workers, and testing technologies in real-world conditions, especially for mining and remote operations, which can also help defence. Dr. David Perry from the Canadian Global Affairs Institute stressed the need for clear goals, priorities, and better ways to turn research into actual military equipment, noting that the current system is too slow. Dr. Matthew da Mota from the Canadian Shield Institute warned against spending money without lasting benefits and highlighted the importance of keeping intellectual property (IP) in Canada and having clear standards for dual-use technologies. Dr. Alexandre Blais from the Université de Sherbrooke argued that basic research is crucial for national security and that investments in universities should count towards Canada's NATO commitments, especially in areas like quantum technology, which has both civilian and military uses. He also stressed the importance of supporting entire research "ecosystems" to keep talent and companies in Canada. A recurring theme was the need to speed up the process of getting new technologies from research labs into the hands of the Canadian Armed Forces. Committee members and witnesses discussed challenges with procurement, the importance of retaining Canadian intellectual property, and ensuring that new defence spending genuinely increases Canada's military capabilities rather than just reclassifying existing funds. There was also discussion about how to ensure that smaller universities and colleges, not just large institutions, benefit from and contribute to defence research investments. No specific decisions were made by the committee during this briefing session, but the discussions highlighted areas for future focus and improvement in Canada's defence and dual-use research strategy.

This meeting of the Science and Research Committee focused on Canada's space program, with a briefing from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). The discussion covered the agency's mandate, its contributions to international space missions, and the economic benefits of the Canadian space sector. Key speakers included Lisa Campbell, President of the CSA, and Jean-Claude Piedboeuf, Senior Vice-President of Space Programs. Ms. Campbell highlighted the CSA's role in promoting the peaceful use of space, advancing scientific knowledge, and providing social and economic benefits to Canadians. She spoke about Canada's involvement in missions like Artemis II and the James Webb Space Telescope, emphasizing Canada's world-leading expertise in space robotics. She also discussed the RADARSAT Constellation Mission, which provides crucial Earth observation data for various government priorities, including environmental monitoring and national defense. Committee members raised questions about Canada's space sovereignty and the country's ability to launch its own satellites. Ms. Campbell explained that while the CSA supports the development of launch technologies, its primary mandate is focused on in-space activities. There was also discussion about the planned de-orbiting of the International Space Station and Canada's role in future lunar missions. Concerns were raised about the cancellation of Canada's lunar rover mission and the government's investment in a spaceport project in Nova Scotia, with some members questioning the consultation process and the value for taxpayer money. The meeting also included a lengthy debate on a motion related to the disclosure of documents concerning Canada's AI Strategy. This discussion, which took up a significant portion of the meeting, was eventually resolved with an amendment to the motion, limiting the request for information to a list of stakeholders who participated in the AI Strategy consultations. The committee also adopted several study budgets for future briefing sessions.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research met to discuss Canada's dual-use and defence research needs. Witnesses from École de technologie supérieure (ETS), Invest Ottawa, and RaceRocks shared their insights on how Canada can better leverage its research and innovation capabilities for both defence and civilian applications. The committee also heard from witnesses from the University of New Brunswick, the University of Calgary, and Tech-Access Canada. They discussed challenges and opportunities in defence economics, technology transfer, and collaboration between academia, industry, and government. Jean Belzile from ETS emphasized the need to speed up the process of turning research into real-world technologies for defence. Sonya Shorey from Invest Ottawa highlighted the importance of a coordinated national system that connects various sectors to maximize the impact of defence spending. Anita Pawluk from RaceRocks, an Indigenous-owned company, pointed out gaps in the innovation system that hinder Indigenous businesses from participating in defence contracts. Robert Huebert from the University of Calgary spoke about the lack of in-depth analysis of defence economics in Canada and the need for more open studies on successful and unsuccessful defence projects. Ken Doyle from Tech-Access Canada suggested practical actions like dual-use technology assessments and supplier modernization to improve defence readiness. Ian Church from the University of New Brunswick spoke about the need for better collaboration among ocean technology stakeholders. During the meeting, a motion was introduced to study the Government of Canada’s space procurement practices. The committee members debated the motion, and it was eventually passed. The committee agreed to end the meeting due to time constraints, thanking the witnesses for their contributions and apologizing for the meeting's disruptions.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research met to discuss Canada's dual-use and defence research needs. The committee heard from witnesses about how Canada can better leverage its science and technology capabilities for defence purposes, focusing on food security, innovation, and collaboration between industry, academia, and government. Witnesses included Karn Manhas from Terramera Inc., Major-General Paul Peyton from NATO DIANA, and Robert Asselin from U15 Canada, as well as Richard Shimooka from the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, Dr. Paul Brett from the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland, and Edoardo De Martin from Industrio AI Inc.. Karn Manhas emphasized the importance of food security as a defence issue, suggesting that Canada needs to protect its food systems from attack or disruption. Major-General Peyton highlighted NATO DIANA's role in accelerating the adoption of dual-use technologies and noted Canada's significant participation in the program. Robert Asselin discussed the need to strengthen Canadian industrial capacity and innovation assets through partnerships between universities, industry, and government. Richard Shimooka spoke about the need for an overall policy for the evolution of science and technology, and the challenges of effectively harnessing scientific capacity for the benefit of the Canadian Armed Forces. Edoardo De Martin advocated for scaling Canadian technology companies at home by securing early customers and accelerating procurement pathways. Dr. Paul Brett focused on how colleges and universities contribute to Canada's dual-use technology systems, and how the Marine Institute translates science into operational capability. Committee members questioned the witnesses on topics such as co-operation between universities and the defence industry, emerging technologies, and barriers to commercialization. The committee discussed the importance of investing in Canadian companies and research, as well as the need for clear policies on intellectual property and data sovereignty. There was also discussion about the government's defence procurement process and whether it adequately supports domestic innovation. The committee agreed to adopt the budget for the study on Canada's dual-use and defence research needs.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on Science and Research met to discuss the implications of a preliminary agreement between Canada and China regarding electric vehicles (EVs). The meeting focused on concerns about the agreement's potential impact on Canada's automotive industry, national security, and trade relations with the United States. Witnesses included professors, industry representatives from General Motors and the Pacific Manufacturing Association of Canada, and policy experts. Some witnesses, like Professor Julian Karaguesian, argued that the agreement could benefit Canada by providing access to cheaper EVs and promoting trade diversification. He downplayed national security concerns, suggesting they were overblown. Other witnesses, such as Sarah Goldfeder from General Motors, expressed strong concerns about the agreement, arguing that it could undermine Canada's automotive industry, create dependence on foreign entities, and pose national security risks due to data collection by foreign-controlled vehicles. Brendan Sweeney from the Pacific Manufacturing Association of Canada, which represents Honda and Toyota, highlighted the risk of disrupting the level playing field for market-based actors in the automotive industry. During the meeting, a motion was introduced to study positive examples of EV infrastructure implementation in Canada, particularly in Quebec and British Columbia. This motion was later amended to broaden the scope to include lessons learned throughout the country. A separate motion was introduced to study the government's $200-million agreement concerning Spaceport Nova Scotia, but the committee voted to move to drafting instructions for the EV study, effectively ending public discussion of the Spaceport motion. This decision led to heated debate and accusations of filibustering and disrespect towards witnesses. Ultimately, the committee voted to proceed with drafting instructions for the study on the Canada-China EV agreement, which will take place in a closed session. This means that further discussions and decisions regarding the study will not be public. The meeting ended with unresolved concerns about the EV agreement's potential impact on Canada's automotive sector and trade relationships.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on Science and Research met to discuss the implications of a preliminary arrangement between Canada and China regarding the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Witnesses presented different perspectives on the potential benefits and risks of allowing Chinese EVs into the Canadian market. Concerns were raised about data security, forced labor in the supply chain, and the impact on the Canadian auto industry. Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, a senior fellow at the University of Ottawa, expressed concerns about the Baidu software used in some Chinese EVs, stating that data collected by these vehicles could be accessed by Chinese officials. She also raised the issue of forced labor in the production of aluminum used in EVs. David Shipley, CEO of Beauceron Security, warned about the cybersecurity risks associated with all connected vehicles, not just Chinese EVs. He recommended a physical disconnect requirement for all connected vehicles sold in Canada. Rachel Doran, executive director of Clean Energy Canada, argued that Chinese EVs could help make EVs more affordable for Canadians and that controlled competition could benefit the Canadian auto industry. She suggested a two-pronged approach of selective exposure to Chinese EVs and preferential market access for domestic producers. Ryan Ahmed, assistant professor at McMaster University, suggested that the Canada-China arrangement can be constructive if paired with conditions on science, research, and domestic value-added. Moataz Mohamed, also from McMaster University, presented research showing that access to lower-cost electric vehicles will increase adoption, particularly among Canadians who are currently hesitant. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of the issue, including the potential impact on Canadian jobs, the ethical implications of forced labor, and the role of government in supporting the EV sector. A motion was put forward to allow the first-hour witnesses to stay for the second hour, but it was defeated. The committee agreed to undertake a study on the role of universities and colleges in supporting Canada's dual-use and defence research needs. The committee also scheduled future meetings to discuss draft reports on antimicrobial resistance and research funding criteria.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research met to discuss the implications of allowing Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) into the Canadian market. The committee heard from representatives from vehicle manufacturers' associations, a senior fellow specializing in Chinese affairs, and leaders from electric mobility and energy transition organizations. Brian Kingston from the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association expressed concerns about unfair competition due to Chinese government subsidies and weak labor rights, as well as security risks related to data collection by Chinese-made vehicles. Charles Burton, a senior fellow, warned about the potential for Chinese EVs to be used for espionage and destabilization. David Adams from Global Automakers of Canada emphasized the need for a fair and transparent environment for all new entrants into the Canadian market, including Chinese manufacturers. Daniel Breton from Electric Mobility Canada argued that Chinese EVs could help accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and provide more affordable options for Canadians. Andrew McKinnon from Accelerate: Canada's ZEV Supply Chain Alliance stressed the importance of supporting Canada's own EV industry and protecting intellectual property. Moe Kabbara from the Transition Accelerator suggested that Canada could use joint ventures with Chinese automakers to build its own EV manufacturing capabilities. Committee members raised questions about the potential impact on Canadian jobs, the security risks associated with Chinese EVs, and the need for a level playing field for domestic manufacturers. The discussion highlighted the complex challenges and opportunities presented by the increasing presence of Chinese EVs in the Canadian market, with varying perspectives on how to best navigate this evolving landscape. No specific decisions or next steps were identified during the meeting.