Thank you for the question.
Currently, the network I coordinate at Concordia University works in partnership with three institutions: Concordia University, Canadian Heritage and the Canadian Institute for Research on Linguistic Minorities. The network exists in partnership, but it is subsidized through a contract. Since the contract will unfortunately run out next year, it is difficult for us to plan any long-term projects.
For instance, let's look at research groups that make research requests for projects that will run for five years, which is normal in the case of a large academic research project. I was recently asked to provide information and resources to help with the progress of this project that will run for five years. Unfortunately, it is difficult for me to commit to it. I told them that I was interested, that the network was interested, but that we could not promise that we will be there for five years.
In short, as concrete support, we would like to have a guarantee that the funding will last three to five years, instead of two or three years at a time, or that the trust fund of the Canadian Institute for Research on Linguistic Minorities—CIRLM—in Moncton will be increased, so that it can support us more substantially in the years to come.