Thank you, Madam Chair and Mr. Blanchette-Joncas, for the question.
The recommendation you're talking about is for NACRI, the National Advisory Council on Research and Innovation. You're correct that there haven't been any updates since.
When we were carrying out this research to look into progress since, we found that there have been no public details about this committee. There was a call for applications in 2019, but there hasn't been an update since. There was a secretariat. There were two employees who were listed as within the Council on Science and Innovation secretariat, but I can't find that information anymore.
That body was intended to act to provide broad oversight of federal research and innovation. It was meant to include sciences as well as innovation leaders from both business and civil society. It was going to act as a convening body to really connect research and innovation.
In terms of an update from someone within the federal government, I will point you toward a recent news article. It was published in University Affairs on March 2, 2022, by reporter Brian Owens. There was a quote in there from a spokesperson from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada where they noted that the government “continues to work towards” implementing the council but they didn't offer any specific details or timeline.
I share your frustration. I unfortunately do not have additional insights to note, but we're eagerly awaiting details on this too. This body could help connect research and innovation in Canada's science ecosystem.