Yes, two things.
First, it is true that we would not have been able to fight COVID‑19 as we did without all the basic research on viruses, mRNAs, and vaccines that was done in advance. Because of that research, we were able to respond more quickly when the pandemic hit. Basic research is essential and it must be protected.
The second point, which I think is misunderstood, involves the use of basic research funding.
We talked about staff shortages. Yet most of the funding we receive is used to fund lab staff. Apart from us professors and a few professional staff, the people in our labs that we depend on are primarily students and postdoctoral trainees. This is really where we are not competitive. We do not offer the same salaries as other countries and we do not have professionals in our labs, slowing down our research.
When we ask for a bigger budget, we often hear that we can make do as scientists, but the money is for staff. That money goes toward our talent and capability. That is where we are really falling short.
I think we really need to understand that to make our research as effective as possible in Canada.