December 9, 2025 (MONTREAL, QC) – U15 Canada has welcomed the launch of a major new international talent attraction initiative, Canada Impact+ Research Chairs, announced today by Ministers Joly and Michel. U15 Canada’s CEO, Robert Asselin, attended the announcement at the Université de Montréal to thank the federal government for their leadership in this important initiative, which recognizes that supporting highly-qualified talent is the foundation for a stronger, more resilient and prosperous Canada.
Canada’s leading research universities have a long-standing record of successfully attracting and developing top talent, which helps drive innovation across the country. In this critically important moment for Canada, we stand ready to work with the Government of Canada to recruit the best and brightest international talent to our country – from world leading researchers to promising graduate students. At the same time, U15 universities remain committed to continuing to support the outstanding researchers who are already here.
“Today’s announcement of a new international talent attraction initiative is a call to action from the federal government to realize this opportunity and make Canada a world leader in research and innovation. This is a significant step which recognizes that Canada’s security and economic success depend on supporting highly-qualified talent with the ideas and expertise to deliver bold new discoveries,” said Robert Asselin, Chief Executive Officer.
“To international researchers considering whether to come to Canada to build their careers and advance their ideas, our message is clear: Canada is a supportive and welcoming destination, with world-class research universities to partner with in your work. Our universities remain steadfast in defending academic freedom, advancing scientific excellence and investing in the success of Canada’s research community” added Asselin.
About U15 Canada
U15 Canada is an association of fifteen leading research universities across Canada. U15 Canada works to optimize research and innovation policies and programs that advance knowledge, develop highly-qualified leaders for all sectors, and mobilize knowledge for the benefit of all Canadians. In this way, U15 Canada seeks to help Canadian universities make a prosperous, sustainable and just future for all.
For further information, please contact:
James Hammond, Director of Public Affairs
james.hammond@u15.ca
613-715-4764
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