Government of Canada invests to increase equity, diversity and inclusion in research
Post-secondary institutions in Quebec awarded close to $1.2 million to better support inclusive career advancement, recruitment and retention
GATINEAU, QC, March 12, 2021 /CNW/ - Increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in science and research enhances excellence, innovation and creativity and leads to more impactful results for all Canadians. The Government of Canada is committed to tackling challenges encountered by under-represented and disadvantaged groups in Canadian research institutions and addressing the impacts on research at large.
Today, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Will Amos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry (Science), and Greg Fergus, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and to the Minister of Digital Government, announced that three institutions in Quebec are receiving Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Institutional Capacity-Building grants totalling close to $1.2 million. This is part of the $4.8 million in total funding being awarded through the 2020 competition to support 12 institutions across Canada as they adapt and implement changes to overcome systemic barriers, increase equity, diversity and inclusion, and create inclusive career opportunities for researchers.
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Institutional Capacity-Building Grant—a pilot program launched in 2019—is supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). NSERC is administering it on behalf of the three federal research granting agencies.
Quotes
"When we have diverse voices and thoughts, we get more impactful results in science and research. That's why we are taking action to make sure that everyone has access to equal opportunities, treatment and recognition in the Canadian academic world. I applaud the work of Canada's institutions to increase equity, diversity and inclusion in research and eagerly await the positive changes this will bring to the health, well-being and success of Canadians."
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
"Canada cannot afford to leave talent on the sidelines of science and innovation. The funding announced today for these three Quebec institutions will support important work to create a more equitable, diverse and inclusive research community."
– Will Amos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry (Science)
"The fight against anti-Black racism and all forms of systemic discrimination must continue in all realms. Although equity, diversity and inclusion in Canadian post-secondary institutions is headed in a positive direction, there is still more work to be done. This investment by the Government of Canada in these Quebec-based institutions will help Canada's diverse scientific community reach its full potential."
– Greg Fergus, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and to the Minister of Digital Government
"Congratulations and much success to all 12 post-secondary institutions receiving funds to support their efforts to create an inclusive environment reflecting Canada's diversity. We know the Canadian research ecosystem can only be excellent, innovative and impactful when it benefits us all."
– Alejandro Adem, President, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Quick facts
- The following institutions across Canada are receiving funding through Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Institutional Capacity-Building grants:
- Cégep de l'Outaouais
- Centennial College
- Collège de Maisonneuve
- Emily Carr University of Art + Design
- Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology
- Lethbridge College
- Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology
- NorQuest College
- St. Francis Xavier University
- Université du Québec à Rimouski
- University of Lethbridge
- Thompson Rivers University
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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
John Power, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, [email protected]; Valérie Levert-Gagnon, Media and Public Affairs Officer, NSERC, [email protected]; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, [email protected]
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