Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I would like to thank all members of the committee for giving me the opportunity to discuss what I think is the key component of the science and research file.
Let me thank you for your continuing leadership of the standing committee in discussion, debate and policy formulation for science and research in Canada. Your reports and recommendations this past year consistently proposed promising and urgently needed steps forward for Canada in what I think we all agree are turbulent times.
My focus today is on the Government of Canada's graduate scholarship and post-doctoral fellowship programs, the subject of your next report. My specific aim is to contribute to your report by describing, in detail, exactly why these scholarship and fellowship programs are so important and so deserving of your close attention. These details are important since they help explain why Canada's scholarship and fellowship programs are at risk—at risk of failing Canada's best and brightest; at risk of failing our institutions, companies and communities; at risk of failing our country's future; and indeed at risk of failing Canada's important role on the world stage.
How did we get here?
Witnesses thus far have emphasized how graduate students play a vital role in the research and innovation ecosystem, making significant contributions to advancing research and mobilizing knowledge while developing domain expertise and deep, enduring competencies in high demand across society.
Witnesses have emphasized how Canada's scholarships and fellowships have generally remained at financial levels set two decades ago.
Witnesses have described how peer countries are moving in the opposite direction by rapidly increasing their research investments, especially to cultivate the highly qualified talent development that is now globally recognized to be the centrepiece of every robust research and innovation ecosystem.
The U.S.A.'s Chips and Science Act more than doubled their national science commitment over five years and has increased graduate research fellowships by 50%.
Witnesses have emphasized that the government's own advisory panel on Canada's research ecosystem—in the Bouchard report—concluded that Canada has been losing ground when it comes to investing in research. The Bouchard report makes clear funding recommendations: Increase funding for the three granting agencies by 10% annually for the next five years. The report stresses the urgency of acting. The report reads, “To put it starkly, current support for graduate students—the researchers of tomorrow—is at a breaking point.”
In this context, my aim today is to ensure that you have the detailed information that explains how we got to this breaking point and what action is needed to get Canada back on track.
Let me invite us to focus attention on a series of key issues.
Let us focus on the holders of graduate scholarships and fellowships and discuss how exceptional they are as the emerging leaders of their generation. They represent those who have been judged to be Canada's best hope for major steps forward as a country. Let us discuss, in detail, the rigorous, multistep process that leads to their selection. Let us discuss Canada's objectives in offering these graduate scholarships and fellowships. Let's specify exactly what these awards are designed to accomplish for Canada and why they set the standard for Canada's entire science and research ecosystem.
Let's review the meaning and significance for an individual to be chosen for an award, especially for the best and brightest from disadvantaged backgrounds. Let's list the consequences for award winners today of receiving awards at levels set years ago. Then, let's consider the consequences for Canada of offering scholarships and fellowships today in the currency of 2003.
Mr. Chair, it is these and related issues that are at the heart of our discussions.
While all your reports have been highly significant, I am convinced that this report on scholarships and fellowships could have the most significant impact for the long-term benefit of Canada.
As you know, this spring's federal budget contained no new investments in research funding for universities. This marks the second consecutive year that the federal government has frozen research funding. In fact, this year, it is asking for a 3% cut. Scholarships and fellowships will remain at levels set years ago. Inflation will continue eroding research grant funding, and initiatives to innovate across the private, public and non-profit sectors will continue to face serious difficulties at a critical time.
Canada needs to act now.
Many thanks, and I look forward to our discussion.