Good morning, Mr. Chair.
Good morning, everyone. Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to talk to the members of the committee about science and research in this country. I would also like to thank you for the important work you do.
I really want to say how much your reports are appreciated. They are thoughtful and are keeping science in the limelight and on the radar in the country.
Since my previous appearance before the committee, my office has been busy on a number of files, while continuing to provide independent advice to government on vital issues for Canadians.
With the support and participation of the science community, we have helped to define a vision for a new climate science strategy and have identified emerging challenges and opportunities in Arctic and subarctic scientific activity.
We have advised on, and will continue to inform, important decisions on the use of science in all aspects of emergency management, from preparedness to response to recovery.
As well, we are providing advice on the long-term health and socio-economic effects of the pandemic as well as the environmental impact of some major infrastructure projects.
Recognizing the growing need for science in government and the accelerating pace of technological change, we have launched a series of analyses for the federal science community. These studies aim to ensure that government decisions are based on the best science and scientific advice. In doing so, we are helping to maintain and even strengthen public confidence in science and democratic institutions.
That's why we remain committed to advancing scientific integrity policies, as well as open and safe science, which are core values for our international collaborations. Indeed, we have established fruitful research alliances with our international counterparts, as evidenced by the establishment of a France-Canada bilateral committee and Canada's access to the European Union's Horizon Europe program as an associate member.
All of these accomplishments are built on the contributions and excellence of our extraordinary science community, and I'm eternally thankful for their support and engagement. They have helped to grow Canada's scientific landscape and have made important contributions towards solving some of the most pressing global challenges. Canadians can be very proud of their country's well-recognized science strengths.
We have an outstanding research system that supports creative ideas, world-class infrastructure, multidisciplinary collaboration and an inclusive science culture. However, in order to fully utilize our assets and keep pace with our international peers, we need to be on top of the rapidly growing areas of science and technology that are advancing knowledge and attracting top talent from around the world.
The international landscape is diversifying, and there are more players than ever before vying for leadership. So many fields of research are advancing at an exponential rate—from quantum research and AI to biotechnology and gene therapy to the promise of fusion power and other clean technologies. At the same time, many of them are converging. The global science race is not just expanding; it is accelerating. It is also shaping tomorrow's economy and impacting communities.
Staying in the game is essential but will require focus and concerted efforts across sectors. We need to not only improve our support for Canadian research and researchers but also better utilize the resources we already have and ensure that our research and development ecosystem is fit for the reality and demands of the foreseeable future.
I trust we can all work together to safeguard our reputation of excellence in science and technology. It will directly impact our prosperity, national security and international relations.
Thank you again for the opportunity to exchange with you on the state of science and science advice in these important times.
