Federal cuts to science threaten Canadian growth







On July 30th Statistics Canada released the findings from a survey of all government departments in Canada, and found that in 2013-2014 there is expected to be a 3.3 percent decrease in government spending on science and technology. Furthermore, the findings illustrate a larger trend of declining funds allocated to science and technology since the 2009-2010 fiscal year.

The NDP is criticizing the government on these latest rounds of cuts, as they worry about the correlation between a cut to science and technology, and a decline in Canada’s economic development. In a statement, the NDP noted the government’s election platform which touted a promise to ‘promote innovation.’

"In their 2011 election platform, Conservatives promised to 'promote innovation — and ultimately to help create good jobs and foster long-term economic growth,'" the NDP said in a statement. Their short-term vision for research and technology will instead significantly harm Canadian economic development in the coming years."

A spokesperson for the minister of state for science and technology responded to the allegations by arguing the government had increased spending on science, but made no mention of the most recent round of expected cuts.

Why is it critical for government’s to fund science?  Investment in science and technology pays off over time, as it allows for innovation which can be used domestically to better a country, and then exported, making a country more economically competitive and viable in the global market. 

Many researchers believe countries like China will soon surpass the United States and some Western European countries as an economic superpower. Research analyst and director of Pew Research Andrew Kohut told CNBC July 18th, “The prevailing view is that China will ultimately eclipse the U.S. as the leading superpower.”

Just as Canada’s federal government has released plans to cut science and technology spending, China’s spending increased 17.9 percent in 2012. This data illustrates a positive trend of spending.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is an American-based Not-for-profit which gathers economic data for the use of academics and policy-makers. A report released by the NBS this past February noted China had been increasing spending on science and technology by more than 20 percent.      

If Canada is to remain economically competitive, the federal government must recognize-not only the utility- but the necessity in funding science and technology related endeavours.


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