Science and Research

The Standing Committee on Science and Research met to discuss the governance and accountability of federal science policy and institutions. Witnesses from AI Governance and Safety Canada, BioCanRx, and Genome Canada shared their perspectives. Wyatt Tessari L'Allié warned about the rapid advancement of AI and the need for stronger safety measures and international cooperation. He suggested banning AI systems with unacceptable risks and developing defense strategies against weaponized AI. Dr. Stéphanie Michaud highlighted the importance of funding the steps needed to move research from labs to patients, especially in cancer immunotherapy, and pointed out gaps in the current funding system. She suggested an independent oversight function to assess real-world outcomes and patient access. Robert Annan emphasized that while Canada has world-class research, it needs better coordination and a national science strategy to maximize the impact of that research. He suggested focusing on mission-driven research and strengthening the pathways from research to practical applications. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various topics, including funding cuts, the role of government in directing research, and ensuring equitable access to resources. The discussion also touched on the need for better data governance and performance indicators to assess the societal impact of research investments. During the meeting, a motion was introduced and passed to undertake a study regarding the impact of federal funding for research and development on intellectual property ownership and commercialization in Canada. The committee will hold four meetings to hear from witnesses and gather information for the study. The committee members discussed the importance of ensuring that research funding leads to tangible benefits for Canadians and that intellectual property developed with public funds remains in Canada.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on Science and Research met to discuss the accountability and governance of federal science institutions. The committee reviewed and approved several study budgets, including one for a study on the implications of the Canada-China joint arrangement on Canada's electric vehicle sector. A motion was passed to rescind a previous order for the production of documents related to the impact of federal funding on research excellence, due to translation issues. Witnesses from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) presented opening remarks. Dr. Paul Hébert (CIHR) emphasized the importance of collaboration and data in improving health outcomes. Dr. Alejandro Adem (NSERC) highlighted NSERC's investments in research and its commitment to open data. Dr. Sylvie Lamoureux (SSHRC) discussed SSHRC's governance and its support for research in social sciences and humanities. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various topics, including the distribution of research funding, measures to support research in both official languages, and the use of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) criteria in funding decisions. Some committee members expressed concerns about the concentration of funding in larger institutions and the potential impact of EDI requirements on research quality. Witnesses committed to providing additional information and analyses to the committee in writing.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on Science and Research met to discuss the governance and accountability of federal science policy and institutions. Witnesses from Harvard University, Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne, and Simon Fraser University shared their perspectives. The committee is trying to figure out how to make sure that science research funded by the government is responsible and benefits the public. Sheila Jasanoff from Harvard University talked about the importance of public benefit, transparency, and the costs of accountability. She warned against centralizing oversight, suggesting that well-designed review processes are more effective. Martin Normand from the Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in federal science policies to support French-language research, suggesting the Official Languages Act provides the necessary tools. He wants to make sure that French-speaking researchers get a fair shot at funding and support. Dugan O'Neil from Simon Fraser University focused on the governance of major research projects and the security of sensitive data. He stressed the importance of parliamentary oversight and aligning oversight mechanisms with the long-term nature of scientific research. Committee members asked questions about intellectual property, commercialization of research, and ensuring that federal research funding benefits Canada. They also talked about the challenges of balancing transparency with privacy and the need to support both early-stage and commercialization-focused research. The committee also discussed a previous motion about translating a large number of documents, but it was decided that the cost was too high and that the current study on governance would address the underlying issues. A Conservative party study on electric vehicles was proposed as the next topic, with a deadline set for submitting a list of witnesses. There was also debate about whether to proceed with the electric vehicle study or review a draft report on antimicrobial resistance first. The meeting ended with unresolved issues and a plan to continue discussions at a later date.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on Science and Research met to discuss the governance and accountability of federal science policy and institutions. Witnesses from various universities and organizations shared their perspectives on how to improve the Canadian science and research landscape. Key topics included the importance of funding different types of research, addressing biases in evaluation systems, and ensuring transparency and public trust in science. The committee also discussed the role of EDI policies, the need for an independent body to monitor science policies, and the importance of supporting scientific research and knowledge dissemination in both English and French. Arif Babul, a professor from the University of Victoria, emphasized the need to evaluate different types of research using appropriate metrics and highlighted the importance of sustaining discovery research. He also suggested improvements to the evaluation process, such as addressing biases, mitigating risk aversion, and enhancing transparency. Azim Shariff, a professor from the University of British Columbia, discussed the psychological factors that can undermine trust in science, such as politicization and biases. He proposed that a monitoring body should be visibly insulated from partisan motives and focus on procedural fairness rather than adjudicating the merits of individual research projects. Ivan Oransky, executive director of the Center for Scientific Integrity, shared insights on how governments can promote scientific integrity and discussed different oversight models from the U.S. and Europe. Frédéric Bouchard, Dean of the faculty of arts and sciences at Université de Montréal, discussed the recommendations from the Advisory Panel on the Federal Research Support System, including the creation of a capstone organization and a national science and innovation strategy. Anna Triandafyllidou, a professor from Toronto Metropolitan University, spoke about the governance, accountability, and impact of multi-million dollar research programs. Martin Maltais, president of the Association francophone pour le savoir (Acfas), and Sophie Montreuil, executive director of Acfas, emphasized the importance of supporting scientific life in French and proposed that at least 25% of federal grants be allocated to French-speaking researchers and institutions. The committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of science policy and governance, including the allocation of SR and ED funds, the commercialization of research, and the implementation of EDI policies. There was a discussion on the need for a stronger strategic commercialization structure and the importance of retaining intellectual property in Canada. The committee also explored the role of a capstone organization in coordinating research efforts and ensuring that the system performs at the desired level. Ultimately, the committee is trying to figure out how to best ensure that Canada's science and research funding system is fair, effective, and trusted by the public. They are considering different models for oversight and accountability, as well as ways to promote scientific excellence and innovation. The committee will continue to gather information and perspectives from experts and stakeholders as they work towards developing recommendations for improving the Canadian science and research landscape.

The Canadian parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Research met to discuss artificial intelligence (AI). The committee adopted budgets for studies on AI and federal science policy. Witnesses from academia and industry shared their insights on Canada's position in the AI landscape, focusing on the need for responsible AI governance and strategic investment. Professor Mehmet Murat Kristal emphasized that Canada excels in AI research and talent but risks falling behind in AI execution and its impact on productivity. He suggested focusing on building institutional capability, training executives, and creating national data infrastructure. Dr. Taylor Owen stressed the importance of public trust and safety in AI systems, advocating for clear standards, transparency, and accountability. She suggested using existing legislative frameworks to implement AI governance measures. Dr. Steven Murphy and Dr. Peter Lewis highlighted the need to balance innovation with responsible AI development, focusing on human-centered applications in key Canadian industries. They emphasized the importance of diversifying AI research efforts and investing in interdisciplinary approaches. Jim Hinton, an intellectual property lawyer, warned that Canada is losing ownership of AI and suggested building sovereign compute infrastructure and spurring an IP economy. Anne Nguyen from the Conseil de l'innovation du Québec, discussed the importance of AI literacy and turning knowledge into a public good. Dr. Tijs Creutzberg from the Council of Canadian Academies, spoke about the challenges Canada faces in commercializing AI discoveries and the need for a modern research mindset. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of AI, including the government's AI strategy, regulatory gaps, data sovereignty, and the impact of AI on jobs. A motion was introduced to order the Department of Industry and the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation to table documents relating to the development, content, governance, and implementation of the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy. The motion was adopted after debate and amendment. The committee agreed to order the Department of Industry and the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation to table documents relating to the development, content, governance, and implementation of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on Science and Research met to discuss the mandates of the Minister of Industry and the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation. Mark Schaan, Associate Deputy Minister, and Nipun Vats, Assistant Deputy Minister, both from the Department of Industry, provided opening statements about supporting Canada's science, research, technology, and talent to boost the economy. They emphasized the importance of talent in areas like clean tech, manufacturing, AI, and life sciences. Minister Joly appeared in the second half of the meeting to discuss strengthening the Canadian economy through science, research, and talent, focusing on attracting top researchers and innovators to Canada. During the meeting, committee members questioned the witnesses on various topics. Tony Baldinelli (Conservative) inquired about the new EV mandate and a previous agreement with Cohere. Maxime Blanchette-Joncas (Bloc Québécois) pressed for details on public consultations regarding the pan-Canadian artificial intelligence strategy, specifically about Brookfield's involvement. Jagsharan Singh Mahal (Conservative) questioned the division of decision-making authority between the two ministers and the accountability for AI spending. Jennifer McKelvie (Liberal) discussed the college collaboration and innovation program and the strategic science fund program. Minister Joly faced questions about the government's approach to science and technology. She defended the government's investments in research and talent, emphasizing the importance of science to the government. She also addressed concerns about the EV mandate, the role of Chinese-made EVs in the Canadian market, and the government's relationship with China. She highlighted the government's efforts to attract talent, support research, and promote innovation in various sectors. The committee discussed the importance of supporting both English and French language research. They also touched on the need to reduce red tape and speed up funding for businesses involved in research and development. The committee identified the need to attract talent to Canada and the importance of supporting Canadian researchers and innovators. The committee agreed to meet again on February 9 to discuss future studies. They will also hold an informal meeting with the chair of the Canada-Lithuania Friendship Group at the Lithuanian Parliament. The committee will also meet on February 12 for their last meeting on the artificial intelligence study.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research met to discuss the mandates of the Minister of Industry and the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation. The meeting focused on Canada's approach to AI, including building infrastructure, empowering talent, and protecting citizens. Minister Evan Solomon, the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, presented the government's "AI for all" strategy, emphasizing responsible AI development and deployment to benefit all Canadians. He highlighted investments in AI infrastructure, talent attraction, and data protection. Mark Schaan, Associate Deputy Minister from the Department of Industry, also attended. During the question period, committee members raised concerns about energy requirements for AI infrastructure, data sovereignty, and the transparency of government AI initiatives. Tony Baldinelli questioned the Minister about energy needs for AI and the exclusion of energy stakeholders from the national task force. Aslam Rana inquired about AI's potential for economic growth in southern Ontario and protecting digital sovereignty. Maxime Blanchette-Joncas pressed the Minister on the public availability of consultation submissions and the timeline for AI legislation. Vincent Ho questioned potential job cuts due to AI adoption in the public service. Jennifer McKelvie discussed collaboration with energy companies and planning for increased energy demand from data centers. There was disagreement about the transparency of the public consultation process, with some members requesting more detailed information on who was consulted. A motion was introduced to compel the government to release a complete list of stakeholders and submissions related to the AI strategy. Amendments and subamendments to this motion were proposed, leading to procedural debates and ultimately a motion to adjourn the debate. The committee agreed to request written responses from the Minister to address outstanding questions. Due to time constraints and procedural issues, the committee was unable to complete its planned questioning of departmental officials. The meeting ended with discussions about future committee business and a potential meeting with representatives from Lithuania to discuss bilateral cooperation in science and research.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research met to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) impacts Canada, focusing on energy needs and data protection. The committee heard from experts in AI, law, and energy, including Dr. Pina D'Agostino, Dr. Arvind Gupta, Dr. Gail Murphy, George Christidis, Francis Bradley, and David Donovan. They talked about how Canada can be a leader in AI, the importance of keeping control over Canadian data, and the need for reliable and clean energy to power AI technologies. They also discussed the balance between commercial interests and protecting human rights in AI development. Dr. D'Agostino emphasized the importance of AI sovereignty, which means having control over AI technology, data, and intellectual property within Canada. She warned that much of the intellectual property created by Canadian researchers ends up with foreign companies. Dr. Gupta spoke about the need for Canada to maintain its leadership in AI research and to train Canadians with the skills to use AI effectively. He also mentioned the importance of building public trust in AI by ensuring it is used ethically and responsibly. Dr. Murphy highlighted the rapid pace of AI development and the need for Canada to keep up. She suggested focusing on specific areas of strength, like AI for health and robotics, and building strong AI supply chains. The energy experts, Christidis, Bradley, and Donovan, discussed the increasing demand for electricity from AI data centers and the need for clean and reliable energy sources like nuclear and hydro power to meet this demand. They stressed the importance of including the electricity sector in AI strategy planning. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various topics, including data privacy, the role of government in supporting AI research, and the impact of AI on different sectors. There was discussion about the U.S. CLOUD Act and its potential impact on Canadian data. Members also discussed the need for a national AI strategy that considers the unique strengths and challenges of different regions of Canada, including Quebec's clean hydroelectric power. The committee agreed to a budget for its study on AI and requested a government response to its findings and recommendations. The meeting was adjourned with a moment of silence in honor of the late Kirsty Duncan, a former chair of the committee.

The Standing Committee on Science and Research met to discuss artificial intelligence (AI) in Canada. The Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Evan Solomon, spoke about Canada's strengths in AI, including world-class researchers and a growing AI sector. He highlighted investments in AI infrastructure and talent, as well as efforts to ensure responsible AI development. He also mentioned the importance of data privacy and digital sovereignty. Mark Schaan, Associate Deputy Minister from the Department of Industry, also attended. Committee members questioned the Minister about data sovereignty, investments in Canadian companies, and ethical considerations related to AI. During the meeting, MP Baldinelli questioned Minister Solomon about a government investment in Cohere, an AI company, and its partnership with a U.S.-based company, CoreWeave, for data center infrastructure. Baldinelli raised concerns about data sovereignty and the applicability of the U.S. CLOUD Act. Minister Solomon defended the investment, emphasizing that Cohere is a Canadian company employing Canadians and keeping intellectual property in Canada. MP Blanchette-Joncas questioned the Minister about transparency and public consultation on the national AI strategy, specifically regarding anonymous contributions and foreign influence. Later in the meeting, committee members debated a motion to extend the AI study by one meeting to re-invite witnesses who were unable to attend a previous session. After a lengthy discussion, the motion was passed. The committee also discussed a motion related to data access for research on funding inequities, and agreed to a revised motion directing the Tri-Council to develop a data management protocol and secure data-transfer process. Finally, the committee agreed to invite the Minister of Industry and the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation to appear before the committee to discuss their mandates.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research met to discuss artificial intelligence (AI). However, much of the meeting focused on a debate about inviting the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Mélanie Joly, to appear before the committee. Taleeb Noormohamed introduced a motion to invite Minister Joly to discuss her mandate, but some committee members felt this was a way to avoid discussing AI specifically. Maxime Blanchette-Joncas argued that the committee should focus on AI and that the government was trying to avoid scrutiny by delaying the minister's appearance. Several committee members expressed frustration that the debate over the motion was taking up time that could have been used to hear from witnesses. Pina D'Agostino, Arvind Gupta, Gail Murphy, George Christidis, Joelle Pineau, and Francis Bradley were present to provide expert testimony on AI. D'Agostino was able to present her opening statement, but the rest were unable to speak due to the procedural debate. Some members wanted to extend the study by one meeting to allow all witnesses to speak. Ultimately, the committee adjourned the meeting without resolving the debate or hearing from all the witnesses. A motion to extend the study by one meeting was not voted on. The committee did agree that Minister Joly would appear at a future meeting, but the date was not set. The committee also agreed that Minister Solomon would appear on Wednesday. The meeting ended with apologies to the witnesses for the wasted time.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research met to discuss science and research in Canada. The main witness was Dr. Mona Nemer, the Chief Science Advisor of Canada. She spoke about the importance of science for Canada's economy, security, and global standing. She emphasized the need for international collaboration and a strong domestic science foundation. Dr. Nemer also highlighted the role of her office in providing unbiased advice to the government on science-related issues. Committee members questioned Dr. Nemer on a range of topics, including the performance of her office, the government's science strategy, and specific science-related issues like AI and climate change.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on Science and Research met to discuss artificial intelligence (AI) in Canada. Witnesses from CGI Inc. and eStruxture Data Centers shared their insights on AI research, commercialization, and the importance of digital infrastructure. The committee explored topics such as fundamental and applied AI research, the role of the federal government, and the protection of public assets. Diane Gutiw from CGI Inc. emphasized Canada's strong foundation in AI research but highlighted the need to strengthen the path from research to commercialization. She suggested focusing investments in high-value sectors, improving collaboration between academia, government, and industry, and clarifying the definition of sovereignty to protect Canadian data, intellectual property, and talent. Angela Adam from eStruxture Data Centers stressed the importance of sovereign digital infrastructure for AI research and development, including control, proximity, and scalability. She urged the government to create a national strategy for digital infrastructure and reserve AI-ready capacity for research institutions. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various issues, including the allocation of funds to foreign companies, the development of AI policy, and the coordination of AI research across Canada. They also discussed the need for AI literacy, the protection of intellectual property, and the challenges of commercializing AI research in Canada. The committee also heard from Eric Kolaczyk from McGill University, Françoys Labonté from the Computer Research Institute of Montreal, and Hugo Larochelle from Mila, the Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute. They discussed the importance of university-based institutes in fostering AI research and collaboration, the need for experimental development activities to support AI adoption by Canadian businesses, and the need to secure AI talent and evolve funding models for increased strategic impact. The committee debated a motion to invite the Minister of Industry and the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation to appear before the committee to discuss their mandate and other related matters. An amendment was proposed to remove a section of the motion that would have required the committee to report its findings and recommendations to the House following the meeting. Due to time constraints, the committee adjourned the meeting before voting on the amendment or the motion. The committee agreed to cancel a future meeting to continue the discussion at a later date.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research met to discuss how to boost private sector investment in research and development in Canada. The first panel heard from representatives from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association, RXN Reaction Hub, and the Vector Institute. Speakers emphasized Canada's lagging R&D spending compared to other countries like the U.S., and the need for tax incentives, better commercialization of research, and a skilled workforce. They also discussed challenges with government bureaucracy and the importance of bridging the gap between research and practical application. The second panel included experts from McMaster University, the University of Ottawa, ElevateIP Alberta, and Réseau des CCTT. They focused on the need for early-stage funding for biotech start-ups, harmonized innovation policies, and better ways to turn ideas into Canadian-owned intellectual property. Speakers also highlighted the importance of applied research and technology transfer, and the need for more funding for college and community innovation programs. During the meeting, there was a disagreement among committee members about a witness appearing via audio only, without video. Some members raised concerns about transparency and the committee's credibility, while others defended the witness's right to privacy and the importance of accommodating experts who may have security concerns. The committee chair verified the witness's identity and allowed the meeting to proceed. The committee agreed to consult more thoroughly on similar situations in the future. No specific decisions were made, but the discussion highlighted key areas for improvement in Canada's research and development landscape.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research met to discuss how to boost private sector investment in research and development (R&D) in Canada. Witnesses from academia, technology, and non-profit sectors shared their insights and recommendations. The committee heard that Canada excels at research but struggles to turn that research into successful businesses. Speakers emphasized the need for a strong ecosystem, access to capital, and customers for start-ups to thrive. Timothy Hannigan, from the University of Ottawa, suggested the government should keep an eye on the health of entrepreneurial ecosystems across Canada. He also recommended investing in research and partnerships between universities and businesses. Ken Doyle, from Tech-Access Canada, highlighted the importance of helping small and medium-sized businesses use new technologies. He suggested making it easier for these businesses to access support and funding. Edward McCauley, from the University of Calgary, talked about the university's success in turning research into businesses. He recommended providing matching funds for partnerships between government, universities, and industry. Cam Linke, from the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute, pointed out that Canada has a lot of small businesses and protected industries, which can make it hard for companies to invest in R&D. He suggested providing early-stage support and access to computing infrastructure. Kevin Outterson, from CARB-X, discussed the need for incentives to encourage the development of new antibiotics. He recommended that Canada invest in both "push" (funding research) and "pull" (rewarding successful products) incentives. Several committee members raised concerns about the level of funding for young researchers and the potential for a "brain drain" if talented individuals leave Canada for better opportunities elsewhere. There was also discussion about the complexity of federal funding programs and the need to streamline the application process. The committee explored how to better support Canadian companies in commercializing their innovations and keeping intellectual property in Canada. Overall, the meeting highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to support private sector investment in R&D, with a focus on building strong ecosystems, providing access to capital and customers, and streamlining government support programs. The committee did not make any decisions during the meeting, but the information gathered will likely inform future policy recommendations.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research convened to discuss concerns about a previous motion regarding data collection from researchers. Many researchers expressed worries about privacy and the potential impact on their work. Committee members debated the best way to address these concerns while still achieving the goals of the original motion. A key point of contention was the cost of obtaining disaggregated data, estimated at $4 million, and whether aggregated and anonymized data would suffice. MP Noormohamed introduced a motion to replace "disaggregated" data with "aggregated and anonymized" data, aiming to balance the needs of researchers and taxpayers. MP Blanchette-Joncas defended the original motion, emphasizing its intent to understand systemic issues in federal funding, not to expose individual researchers. He expressed frustration with the process and the focus on costs. Several committee members voiced their support for Noormohamed's motion, citing concerns about privacy, intellectual property, and the potential for misuse of data. The committee voted on and passed MP Noormohamed's motion to use aggregated and anonymized data instead of disaggregated data. They also discussed the preparation of a report on research funding criteria. Later, the committee heard from witnesses about private sector investment in research and development in Canada. Witnesses included representatives from Brock University, CIRANO, and Universities Canada. They discussed ways to promote and grow private sector investment in research and development in Canada, including supporting industry-university partnerships and strengthening university tech transfer infrastructure. Witnesses emphasized the importance of supporting experimental development and creating a Canada-wide network of applied research. They also discussed the need for skilled workers and the importance of universities in promoting internships and training in technology transfer. The committee explored how to bridge the gap between science and the market and increase private investment in R&D. They also discussed the challenges of commercializing research in Canada and the need for a more business-friendly environment. Finally, the committee heard from a second panel of witnesses on the same topic. They discussed the importance of ecosystem building, attracting private sector investment, and leveraging existing structures and programs. Witnesses also emphasized the need to support emerging funds and create prominent academic positions in technological entrepreneurship. The committee explored ways to retain talent in Canada and combat the brain drain. They also discussed the role of public research and the need for a sovereign innovation asset bank.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research met to discuss how to increase private sector investment in research and development (R&D) in Canada. Witnesses from various organizations shared their perspectives and recommendations. They talked about how Canada excels at scientific research but struggles to turn those discoveries into valuable products and services for society. Speakers highlighted the need for better ways to protect and use intellectual property (IP) and to help Canadian companies grow. They also discussed the importance of investing in technology development and encouraging businesses to invest in public research. Some committee members were concerned about data security and the loss of intellectual property to foreign companies.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research met to discuss how to increase private sector investment in research and development in Canada. The committee heard from Michael McDonald from Colleges and Institutes Canada, who emphasized the important role colleges play in applied research and supporting businesses. He asked for more funding for colleges and better access to federal research programs. Dugan O'Neil from Simon Fraser University suggested setting national innovation goals and using government purchasing to support new technologies. Committee members discussed how to help Canadian companies grow and keep ownership of their ideas in Canada. During the meeting, Tony Baldinelli introduced a motion to add associate members to the committee, which was approved. He also proposed extending the current study by two meetings to hear from more witnesses, but Maxime Blanchette-Joncas initially opposed this, citing a need for fairness in rotating study topics among parties. Baldinelli mentioned his intention to table a motion for a study on AI at the next meeting, which the Conservatives would support. The committee eventually voted to extend the study by two meetings. Later, the committee heard from Luc Sirois, Quebec's chief innovation officer, who spoke about Quebec's approach to supporting innovation and the need to focus on applied research and skills development. Benjamin Bergen from the Council of Canadian Innovators stressed the importance of Canadian companies owning and protecting their intellectual property. He suggested creating an innovation asset bank to help Canadian companies compete. Committee members discussed ways to help businesses grow, the role of government funding, and how to keep Canadian talent and companies in Canada.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on Science and Research met to discuss how to increase private sector investment in research and development (R&D) in Canada. Witnesses from various sectors shared their insights and recommendations. The overall goal was to find ways to translate Canada's research strengths into economic growth and job creation. Ryan Williams from the Balsillie School of International Affairs argued that Canada needs to protect its intellectual property (IP) and data to ensure that Canadian innovations benefit Canada, not other countries. He proposed a Canadian innovation and data sovereignty act and a $100 billion sovereign innovation fund. Grace Lee Reynolds, CEO of MaRS Discovery District, emphasized the need to attract more domestic investment and improve university-industry collaboration. She suggested that the government could act as a first customer to de-risk investments for the private sector. Bruce Johnson from Martinrea International Inc. highlighted the importance of industrializing and commercializing products, not just proving concepts. He recommended a mix of public grants and tax incentives to encourage private investment. Molly Shoichet, a professor at the University of Toronto, stressed that location matters and Canada needs to attract multinational R&D teams. She suggested inviting them into Canadian research institutions and investing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Marc Nantel, Vice-President at Niagara College, advocated for more funding for applied research at colleges, which he said leads to faster commercialization and job creation. Robert Asselin, CEO of U15 Canada, pointed out that Canada's innovation economy relies too heavily on research universities without a strong industrial base to support them. He proposed a sovereign technologies fund and a modern science and technology architecture. Committee members discussed the challenges of commercializing research in Canada, the role of government in supporting innovation, and the need to protect Canadian IP. There was a consensus that Canada needs a more coordinated approach to science and technology policy to drive economic growth and national security. The committee agreed to continue the study at future meetings.