The issue
Investing in research improves our productivity and helps to address future challenges
University graduates possess the critical thinking, analytical and creative skills that will provide solutions to the challenges facing Canada in the coming decades, as a result of an aging population. By 2030, the number of Canadians over the age of 65 will have doubled, while the proportion of Canadians in the workforce (aged 25 to 64) is only projected to grow by eight percent. Baby boomers will create greater demand for professionals with a variety of expertise, including medical, legal, and financial and social services. Canada’s economic growth will rely on proportionately fewer people generating more innovative products and services to meet demand.
Support for researchers and students during their careers, and the research enterprise as a whole, is necessary to develop these highly qualified individuals. Research and innovation are well understood as key assets for success in the increasingly competitive new global economy, enabling Canada to respond to the crises of today and to build the reservoir of knowledge and skills to face the unknown in the future. Coordinated support for researchers, and the research environment between all levels of government, and across disciplines complement the university learning environment and promote the dissemination of new information to the private sector.
This new knowledge in turn leads to: