As you know, part of my mandate letter was to create a chief science officer. I'm happy that on December 5, 2016, we launched the search for Canada's chief science adviser. This position was cancelled under the previous government. A chief science adviser will ensure that government science is made available to Canadians, that government scientists can speak freely about their work, and that scientific analyses will inform decision-making.
There's an open competition. That competition closed on February 13. This person will advise the Prime Minister, the Minister of Science, and the cabinet. As well, cabinet can come back to the chief science adviser and give charges to him or her. We hope to have this person in place by the spring. This is really exciting. We know one person isn't going to change the system, but it will be important to build that advisory role going forward.