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.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Salma Zahid
Thank you, Minister.
We will now end this panel, with 90 seconds left.
MP Blanchette-Joncas, please go ahead.
Bloc
Maxime Blanchette-Joncas Bloc Rimouski—La Matapédia, QC
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Minister, in 2025, you said you were aiming to attract a thousand U.S. researchers. Eight months in, where do things stand in relation to that target? How many of those researchers are working in Canada right now?
Liberal
Bloc
Maxime Blanchette-Joncas Bloc Rimouski—La Matapédia, QC
No. In June 2025, you told the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal that you wanted to attract a thousand researchers from the U.S. How many of those researchers are currently working in Canada?
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
We were waiting for the budget to come out. It did, and we received $1.7 billion. Soon after, in December, we rolled out the program. Universities are in the process of recruiting people, so I should be able to give you some information soon. Honestly, we are moving very quickly.
Bloc
Maxime Blanchette-Joncas Bloc Rimouski—La Matapédia, QC
Can you get back to us in writing regarding the number of applications received thus far?
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
Yes. The application period is still open. Of course, once it closes, I will happily get back to you with a written answer.
Bloc
Maxime Blanchette-Joncas Bloc Rimouski—La Matapédia, QC
What percentage of those candidates will go to francophone universities in Canada?
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
We've made sure that there is sensitivity to the francophone community, but the research councils are really the ones that will be making the decision. The figures will, of course, be in line with the share Quebec and francophones represent.
Bloc
Maxime Blanchette-Joncas Bloc Rimouski—La Matapédia, QC
What percentage would you, as minister, suggest for francophone universities?
Bloc
Maxime Blanchette-Joncas Bloc Rimouski—La Matapédia, QC
Should it be fifty-fifty to respect the equality of the official languages?
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
I believe francophones make up about 25% of Canada's population, so the levels are usually based on that share, but it would be great if the numbers exceeded that share.
Bloc
Maxime Blanchette-Joncas Bloc Rimouski—La Matapédia, QC
Do francophones in Canada receive at least 25% of research funding?
Liberal
Mélanie Joly Liberal Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC
I'm going to make sure that Rimouski gets new researchers, precisely to help the communities in the Lower St. Lawrence benefit from continued improvements. Similarly, I hope that people from the region, who may be working as top researchers in the U.S., people who I unfortunately am not familiar with right now, will want to move back and join Université du Québec à Rimouski.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Salma Zahid
Thanks a lot, Minister, for taking the time to appear before the committee.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Salma Zahid
On behalf of all members, I want to thank you for the work you are doing for Canadian workers.
With that, this meeting has come to an end.
I would like to let all members know that on Monday, February 9, we will have committee business to determine the committee's next studies. After that, as we agreed to last time, we will have an informal meeting with the chair of the Canada-Lithuania Friendship Group at the Lithuanian Parliament. On Thursday, February 12, we will have our last meeting with the witnesses for our artificial intelligence study.
Thank you to the minister and officials for appearing before the committee.
Is it the will of the committee to adjourn the meeting?