New Way Forward for Canada's Science Agenda

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 26, 2015) - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Approximately 500 researchers, academics, business leaders and policy-makers attending the 7th Canadian Science Policy Conference heard the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, outline her mandate and vision. In her remarks, the Minister underscored that the government values scientists and will base decisions on sound scientific knowledge. She also confirmed the government's intention to create a new Office of the Chief Scientist, which will be a key part in ensuring that federal science is freely communicated to the public. It was the Minister's first major speech to the science community since being named Minister of Science by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on November 4.

Quick facts

• The Canadian Science Policy Conference, now in its seventh year, is a national forum for researchers, policy-makers, academics and entrepreneurs to discuss current and emerging issues in science, technology and innovation policy.
• The Minister of Science will play a role in championing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills and will work with the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour to help employers create more co-op placements for students, not only for STEM but also for business programs.
• A new Chief Science Officer, whose role and functions are currently being examined, will be a key part in ensuring that scientific communication is sustained across the government in an effective way.
• Support for science will be an essential pillar of the government's strategy and will help create sustainable economic growth.

Quotes

"My overarching job will be to support scientific research and the integration of scientific considerations in our investment and policy choices. So my goal has been to hit the ground running."

- The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

"We are a government that believes in science-and a government that believes good scientific knowledge should inform decision making."

- The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

Associated links

Canadian Science Policy Conference 2015

Minister of Science Mandate Letter

Follow the Minister on Twitter: @ScienceMin