Thank you for that question.
With respect to the parts of the science and tech file in Canada that I'm responsible for, I think I speak for some of my other colleagues as well when I say we are very proud of the work that our scientists and our academic community do. These are world-class people.
We absolutely understand that research findings and their benefits must be effectively communicated and shared with Canadians. In fact, our government has put in place foundational pieces that actually call and guide...to support open and transparent communications. In fact, in accordance with the government policy regarding government scientists, I can tell you that they regularly provide media interviews. They publish thousands and thousands of research papers. I'll provide some numbers here. Environment Canada has provided more than 1,300 media interviews. Scientists in that one area have published some 524 articles. There are reports that we are leading the world in some cases on our published articles.
The official communications policy directs federal departments and agencies to properly address media inquiries. Federal scientists, as you know, are non-partisan. They do their work to achieve the results they're after. They're very professional. They do not comment on government policy. This is a role that we are required to leave to ministers who, as people can understand, are primarily responsible for their files.
With respect to your first question about the unprecedented funding, if I may, Mr. Chair, there is no question that this government has provided more funding in its time than any other government has in the history of this country. If I may, I will close that question by quoting a reference from the Canadian Council of Academies, which is an independent body:
There is much for Canadians to be proud of as Canada's international reputation is strong, science and technology research is robust across the country, and globally we are considered to have world-leading research infrastructure and programs.... The Panel's findings are comprehensive and represent one of the most in-depth examinations of Canadian science and technology ever undertaken.
That's from the chair of the panel, Dr. Eliot Phillipson.
Hopefully, that answered your question.