Speaking Points
The Honourable Gary Goodyear, PC, MP
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
Ottawa, Ontario
October 1, 2012
Check Against Delivery
Good morning, and thank you, Dr. Matheson, for that kind introduction. And thank you also to Carleton University for making this event possible. I also want to recognize the university officials who are joining us here today.
It is a pleasure to be at Carleton University where I have the opportunity to see our government's investments at work and to learn first-hand about some of the excellent research that is being conducted here.
Just last week the Council of Canadian Academies released an in-depth report on the state of science and technology in Canada. The report concludes that Canada's science and technology enterprise is healthy, growing, internationally competitive and well respected.
In fact, in this report, Canada received good marks for research excellence in the fields of Historical Studies Information and Communication Technologies, Psychology, and Visual and Performing Arts, among others.
This is good news. And while the report does not make recommendations, it will provide us with important input as we continue to implement our science and technology strategy.
Our government is investing in basic research that advances our understanding of economic, social and cultural issues, and is sharing those insights with the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. By doing so, we enable Canadian researchers in universities and colleges to help secure Canada's long-term prosperity and the quality of life of Canadians today and well into the future.
With these investments, our government is increasing Canada's economic advantage in a knowledge-based economy, so that our country will maintain its position as a global research leader. This brings me to why we are here today.
I would like to congratulate the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada—SSHRC—on the successful completion of two of its newest grants competitions: the Insight Grants and the Insight Development Grants. The Insight program aims to support and foster research excellence—basic research intended to deepen the understanding of individuals and societies, as well as to find solutions to society's challenges.
On behalf of the Harper Government, it is my great pleasure to announce an investment of more than $200 million in the fields of social sciences and humanities research and research training, through grants, fellowships and scholarships from SSHRC.
Of that total, $101 million will go to support 815 research initiatives in the Insight program. The Insight Development Grants support basic research in its early stages; whereas the Insight Grants support basic research projects in their later stages.
In both cases, the projects will be carried out by individuals and small teams of researchers collaborating across Canada and, in fact, around the globe.
Projects carried out under these programs will explore economic, social and cultural issues of importance to Canadians and include topics such as bullying, Aboriginal learning and women's achievements in engineering.
The researchers being supported today are among Canada's leading scholars in the fields of social sciences and humanities, and their talents are contributing to the culture of innovation and excellence that is critical to our nation's success.
This research, ladies and gentlemen, will ultimately benefit our citizens, our society, our economy and our communities.
And I am delighted to learn that close to 40 of these grants involve partnerships among the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.
These are important collaborations that will allow us to expand our knowledge capacity and increase Canada's economic advantage.
Today, I am also pleased to announce $102 million to support 2,400 master's, doctoral and post-doctoral scholarships and fellowships under SSHRC's Talent program.
This support will help Canada's most promising young minds gain the skills and experience they need to become the next generation of leaders in all sectors of society.
Now, let me turn for a moment to some of the compelling research initiatives being funded right here at Carleton University.
Dr. Laura Macdonald, recipient of an Insight Grant, will lead a project on Canada's increasing role in Latin America's economic development. The research team, drawing on a network of experts from across the Americas, will investigate the impact of Canada's economic engagement in the region. This research will provide policy recommendations that can contribute to the prosperity of both Canada and our Latin American partners.
Also receiving an Insight Grant is Dr. Robert Coplan. Dr. Coplan will explore how certain activities and key relationships affect levels of shyness in preschool-age children. His research will help teachers and caregivers understand how to help children who are prone to social anxiety and self-consciousness to better interact with others.
I understand that, following today's formal agenda, Dr. Coplan will be available to discuss his research with these children, and I look forward to learning more about this important work.
Mathieu Charbonneau, a Carleton PhD student in sociology, is receiving a Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship for doctoral students. His research will focus on the history of the Canadian insurance industry and its position in the global marketplace. His work will allow us to better understand the role that insurance plays in both fiscal efficiency and society.
All truly fascinating and promising programs of research.
Congratulations to Dr. Macdonald, Dr. Coplan and Mr. Charbonneau and to the other recipients here at Carleton University and across Canada.
Today's investments demonstrate the high priority our government places on keeping Canada at the cutting-edge of research, development and innovation. We are investing in the people and ideas that will create tomorrow's breakthroughs, giving Canada the best-educated and most skilled workforce in the world.
Our government has made significant investments in science, technology and research to create jobs, grow our economy and improve the quality of life for all Canadians. Through this ongoing commitment, we can look forward to more outstanding Canadian achievements.
Thank you.
