Canada is in dire need of a new science policy and strategy, says CAUT in response to Industry Canada’s consultation paper “Seizing Canada’s Moment: Moving Forward in Science, Technology and Innovation.”

CAUT says the current direction of the federal government is threatening to impede scientific progress and compromise the integrity and independence of public science.

“The Conservative government’s record in recent years has been characterized by funding allocations more focused on applied or closer-to-market research than on basic research, muzzling of public scientists, and deep cuts to national scientific agencies, programs and libraries,” said CAUT executive director James Turk.

CAUT’s brief calls for renewed investments in basic research guided by priorities set by the scientific community and increased support for government science.