The federal government recently unveiled nearly $2 billion in funding toward recruiting global tech and research talent to Canada.
In December, Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly announced $1.7B to launch the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative.
One of the largest recruitment programs of its kind globally, the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative is “uniquely designed for exceptional speed and flexibility in securing top research talent,” according to a statement from the government, which “will ensure Canada remains at the forefront of scientific innovation.”
Joly claims that “other countries constrain academic freedoms and undermine cutting-edge research,” although she stopped short of specifying countries.
Canada, meanwhile, “is investing in—and doubling down on—science,” she says.
By “attracting the top minds from around the world to work alongside exceptional Canadian researchers,” Joly posits that “the Government of Canada is building the kind of scientific and academic powerhouse that drives the strongest economy in the G7.”
The investment, according to the federal minister, “is about securing Canada’s place at the forefront of discovery and innovation and leveraging our strength in science to support our future well-being and prosperity for generations to come.”
(Note: Canada has consistently had the weakest economy in the G7 for the past decade, and has never had the strongest since the G7’s formation in the mid-1970s.)
Citing “rapid technological change,” Canada wants to become “a leading hub for science and innovation,” including advancing clean technology and medical research, according to a statement.
Canada says recruitment will focus on “areas critical to Canada’s sovereignty, resilience and long-term prosperity.” These include advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantu computing, and cybersecurity, as well as health-related technologies such as biotechnology, clean technologies that target climate resilience and food and water scarcity, and defence technologies.
The investment “is about attracting talent and protecting Canada’s position as a global leader in innovation,” offers Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families. “Whether it’s clean technology or medical research, we are empowering Canadian excellence that will benefit us all.”
In Canada, “we believe in science,” suggests Minister of Health Marjorie Michel. “These investments will attract the best and brightest [scientists] in the world.”
Canada intends to invest the funds over 12 years, aiming to attract over 1,000 world-class researchers.
The funding is split across various tracks, including the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program, the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders program, and the Canada Impact+ Research Infrastructure Fund.
The Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative “will attract the world’s leading and most promising researchers, whose work will bring direct economic, societal, and health benefits for Canadians,” according to Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry.
