CCR and CIC Discuss 2011 Federal Budget

The 2011 Federal Budget was released on March 22, 2011. Members of the Canadian Consortium for Research (CCR) steering committee met immediately following the announcement of the Budget to discuss the outcome.

The CCR, in which the CIC is a partner, is pleased with the following elements:

• $37 million per annum in additional funding to the Federal Granting Councils;
• $53.5 million over five years for ten new Canada Excellence Research Chairs;
• $40 million over two years to Sustainable Development Technology Canada to support the development and demonstration of new clean technology projects; and
• $97 million over two years for research, development and demonstration of clean energy and energy efficiency.

However, the Budget states that it will be giving $34 million to enhance eligibility criteria for Canada Student Loans and Grants for full- and part-time students, raising concern within the CCR. The Consortium feels that the budget did not adequately address the barriers to higher education faced by many students and their families.

Overall, the CCR welcomes the 2011 Budget, particularly in light of the difficult fiscal situation that was faced by the Federal Government this year. However, some concerns were raised and the Consortium cautions that more needs to be done, particularly in regard to basic research, which will continue to be essential for Canada’s long-term prosperity.

The CIC and CCR together have prepared a press release presenting the science community’s reaction to the 2011 federal budget , which was sent to Cabinet Ministers Jim Flaherty, Finance; Tony Clement, Industry Canada; and Gary Goodyear, Secretary of State for Science and Technology (Industry Canada).