Evidence of meeting #23 for Science and Research in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was question.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
Vincent Ho Conservative Richmond Hill South, ON
This is the last question.
Would you personally drive a Chinese-made EV, yes or no?
Conservative
Vincent Ho Conservative Richmond Hill South, ON
I'm the one asking the questions here. You're the one answering. You're the government.
Conservative
Conservative
Vincent Ho Conservative Richmond Hill South, ON
The point of the committee is that committee members ask you questions.
Conservative
Vincent Ho Conservative Richmond Hill South, ON
Are you serious? Are you asking me? I'm asking you. The Canadian people are asking you.
Liberal
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
I'll just finish, Madam Chair.
I am willing to drive a great Canadian-made vehicle, and that will be my focus. I hope it's yours.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Salma Zahid
Thank you, Minister.
We will now proceed to MP Deschênes-Thériault for five minutes.
Please go ahead.
Liberal
Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault Liberal Madawaska—Restigouche, NB
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Madam Minister, as you know, the mandate of the External Advisory Panel on the Creation and Dissemination of Scientific Information in French is to provide advice and recommendations to guide the development of a federal strategy to ensure the long-term viability of the French-language scientific research ecosystem. The final report is expected by March 31 this year.
It goes without saying that Canadian Heritage can't shoulder this responsibility all on its own. We're going to need your department's leadership.
In your opinion, how will your department collaborate and participate actively in the implementation of the report's recommendations and in the development of the federal strategy?
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
Thank you, Mr. Deschênes‑Thériault.
That's a great question. French-language science is a priority of mine. During my time as a minister, one of the issues I have spent the most time on is the reform of the Official Languages Act and respect for official languages in government.
As you know, under the most recent action plan, the government allocated $8.5 million to French-language research. As you mentioned, the expert panel will be releasing its recommendations by the end of March, to strengthen the use of French in science. I look forward to the recommendations, because as I see it, French-speaking scientists clearly have to be able to not only work in French and conduct their research in French, but also publish their work and obtain research funding in French.
Liberal
Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault Liberal Madawaska—Restigouche, NB
On another note, the data show that investments in R and D improve business performance and productivity. Many businesses in my riding and all over the country already take advantage of the scientific research and experimental development tax incentive program.
How, in your view, does our government intend to enhance the program? How will those enhancements benefit both small and medium-sized businesses and the Canadian economy as a whole?
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
Anyone who's worked in business, especially in the start-up community, knows how important the program is. For too long, entrepreneurs have been saying that there's too much red tape, calling the process cumbersome and frustrating. I've been told that all too often in business circles, even though, in many cases, the program is meant to help small and medium-sized businesses. We are reforming the program, as you mentioned, with the goal of cutting red tape and getting the money out fast. We are reducing wait times, because that will certainly help entrepreneurs access the liquidity they need. Very often, when they make an R and D investment, they don't receive the funding until a year after they've filled out all the forms. They have to hope and pray it's coming. Now, we are overhauling the system and granting the support right away. We're removing the burden on entrepreneurs and shifting it to the public service, in order to get the money out quickly.
Liberal
Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault Liberal Madawaska—Restigouche, NB
I'm going to switch topics. In Canada, we're fortunate to have a first-rate national statistical agency. Thanks to its work, we have access to robust data on our economy, society and environment. This essential information informs government decision-making. In the context of the government's comprehensive expenditure review, how do you think the government plans to maintain Statistics Canada's commitment to quality, integrity and data production?
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
Statistics Canada is an important department. Over the past few years, not only have we allocated more funding to Statistics Canada, but we also made sure that it produces more data through its various studies. I think it's important for Statistics Canada to adopt a highly efficient approach while fulfilling its mission. I look forward to working with the people there.
On a related note, I want to point something out with respect to official languages—I know the issue is important to you, so that's why I'm bringing it up. At one point, we did a tremendous amount of work to incorporate questions in the short-form census, to better measure the reality of minority language communities. Statistics Canada has a mandate to do that as part of the census. I know you didn't ask, but I do think it's important to mention, nonetheless.
Liberal
Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault Liberal Madawaska—Restigouche, NB
Absolutely. That gave us access to some terrific data.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Salma Zahid
Thank you.
We will now proceed to MP Blanchette-Joncas for two and a half minutes.
Please go ahead.
