Thank you very much.
Government departments do fund research, which is generally of an applied nature, according to their priorities. I would refer you again to the Bouchard report, which clearly explains the difference between research that is freely decided upon by researchers and that which is directed. These are really two important components of the scientific ecosystem.
Universities have particular expertise that can help government departments. For example, the government department might fund research into the restoration and protection of fish habitats affected by mining activities in northern environments, or research into the challenges facing the tourism industry in terms of providing adequate support for small or medium-sized businesses and nonprofit organizations in that sector.
How can this research be made independent?
We must trust in the ethics of researchers. Whatever the origin of the request, whether it comes from them, the community or government departments, they apply ethics in terms of research independence. They are there to analyze the facts, as well as provide conclusions and disseminate them.
We also have mechanisms right now to guarantee what we call academic freedom. These mechanisms are there to ensure that, regardless of the origin of the request, the research remains independent and is carried out fully aware of the freedom of the researcher who is going to provide their conclusions.