Canadian science is now stronger and more inclusive

Minister Duncan calls on deputy ministers at annual science retreat to build on culture change

July 16, 2019 – Ottawa, Ontario

Since 2015, the Government has transformed science and research in this country and initiated a wholesale culture change across Canada by making it clear that federal scientists can communicate publicly about their work, bringing back the long-form census, re-instating the Office of the Chief Science Advisor, and investing an historic $10 billion in science and research. The Government also created the Deputy Minister Science Committee, convening an annual meeting of deputy ministers from 13 federal science-based departments and agencies.

Today, Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, addressed this year’s retreat—the fourth annual —and called on the deputy ministers to embrace the culture change they have helped build in science and research in Canada.

Minister Duncan highlighted how the committee has helped:

• support evidence-based decision making throughout government;
• improve and promote equity and diversity in all fields of science to ensure Canadian science reflects the Canada we see today;
• strengthen Canada’s place as a research leader so our researchers and scientists continue to make discoveries that positively impact the lives of Canadians, our environment, our communities and our economy; and
• support researchers by ensuring they can work in state-of-the-art, collaborative and accessible labs and facilities.

The Deputy Minister Science Committee was recently made an official deputy ministers’ committee, with a focus on delivering a whole-of-government approach to science policy. Minister Duncan called on the members of the committee to work in a collaborative, integrated and coordinated way across government to continue generating the data, knowledge and scientific understanding needed for the government to make well-informed decisions that positively impact the lives of Canadians.