Statement from the Minister of Science and Sport on the release of the first annual report of Canada's Chief Science Advisor

March 11, 2019 — Ottawa, Ontario

The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, made the following statement:

"We made a commitment to Canadians that we would incorporate facts and data into all the choices we make on their behalf. We did this because we know that good policy decisions must be informed by good science and research.

"To help us bring this commitment to life, we reinstated the position of the Chief Science Advisor and appointed celebrated researcher Dr. Mona Nemer to the role.

"On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to thank Dr. Nemer for all her work so far. She has moved forward in helping our government put science and research at the heart of federal decision making.

"Dr. Nemer's appointment is a key element of our vision to bring wholesale change to Canada's overall science culture. Our government conducted the first review of federal funding for science and research in 40 years. We put in place requirements to boost diversity on campuses, we are better supporting early-career researchers, we are displaying leadership on the world stage, and we have invested billions to help return science and research to their rightful place.

"I look forward to reviewing Dr. Nemer's advice on how we can continue to strengthen federal science and evidence-based decision making in pursuit of making our communities, our environment and our country better for all Canadians."