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Chief Science Advisor

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Strong support for science can make a real difference to the people in our communities, our environment, our health, our economy, and our future prosperity. The Government of Canada is committed to strengthen science in government decision-making and to support scientists’ vital work. In keeping with these commitments, the government has re-instated the long form census and unmuzzled scientists. We are also bringing greater diversity and equity in the sciences, and have invested billions in science and innovation programs. These actions will help ensure that Canada’s scientists and scholars have the tools and opportunities they need to pursue some of the most pressing questions we face.

The Government of Canada has also appointed a Chief Science Advisor to advise it on how to ensure that government science is fully available to the public, that scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and that scientific analyses are considered when the Government makes decisions. The Office of the Chief Science Advisor will be housed at Innovation, Science and Economic Development and supported by a secretariat.

The Chief Science Advisor’s key functions will be as follows:

  • provide advice on the development and implementation of guidelines to ensure that government science is fully available to the public and that federal scientists are able to speak freely about their work;
  • provide advice on creating and implementing processes to ensure that scientific analyses are considered when the Government makes decisions;
  • assess and recommend ways to improve the existing science advisory function within the federal government; and
  • assess and recommend ways for the Government to better support quality scientific research within the federal system.

Furthermore, the Advisor will:

  • deliver an annual report to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Science on the activities of the Office of the Chief Science Advisor and the state of federal government science, including the federal science workforce and federal scientific infrastructure;
  • provide and coordinate expert advice to the Minister of Science and members of Cabinet, as appropriate and requested, on key scientific issues, including the preparation of research and foresight papers for public dissemination; and,
  • promote a positive and productive dialogue between federal scientists and academia, both in Canada and abroad, and raise awareness of scientific issues relevant to the Canadian public.

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