On behalf of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, I would like to congratulate Prime Minister designate Justin Trudeau and the Liberal party on their election victory last night and to all of the elected Members of Parliament who will be representing Canadians in Ottawa.
As the organization that represents 15 of Canada’s most research-intensive universities, we look forward to working with the new government and the 42nd Parliament. Our task is to enhance Canada’s innovation economy and increase our global reputation and our domestic capacity as a bastion of research excellence.
In the coming weeks and months, we will work with parliamentarians from all parties to advance Canada’s research agenda, through continued investments in the Tri-councils and the Canada Foundation for Innovation who serve as foundational pillars in our research ecosystem, as well as new projects and initiatives to increase our scientific capacity and better the lives of Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
The U15 also thanks all those Members of Parliament who are not returning for this session for their hard work and their dedication to public service, on behalf of Canada and its institutions.
Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur is Chair of the U15-Group of the Canadian Research Universities and President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Waterloo.