Pre-Budget Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance 2025
Recommendations:
To optimize the increased research investments announced in Budget 2024, U15 Canada recommends:
- Match Budget 2024 investments with increased support for the full costs of research through the Research Support Fund and Incremental Project Grants;
- Full support for enhancing Canada’s digital research infrastructure as an enabler of world-class research initiatives;
- Immediate action to maximize support for the development of research collaborations through Canada’s participation in Horizon Europe.
In an era defined by rapid technological change, heightened international competition, and mounting societal uncertainty, research performs a fundamental role in driving productive and sustainable economic growth, asserting national economic and technological sovereignty and enhancing social cohesion and resiliency. A thriving research and innovation ecosystem is globally recognized as a vital national asset, essential for maintaining competitiveness, driving economic productivity, and addressing complex societal challenges like pandemic preparedness, national defence and decarbonization. Supporting a successful research ecosystem is crucial to supporting Canadian success.
Building on recent developments and to maximize the success of Budget 2024, U15 Canada recommends additional targeted support to address specific capacity constraints in the Canadian research ecosystem. This includes support for indirect research costs through the Research Support Fund (RSF), the renewal of Canada’s digital research infrastructure, and optimizing international engagement through Horizon Europe.