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Some science and research investments protected, no core investments for colleges and universities in Budget 2025

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. or-colleges-and-universities-in-budget-2025.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 10:49 GMT by Toronto Star

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Science and Research Funding Stays on the Canada Budget, but No Core Support for Colleges and Universities

The latest Canadian federal budget, released by Finance Minister Pierre Poilievre on 27 February 2024, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to science and research while signalling a sharp shift in its approach to higher‑education funding. While the budget increases investments in research infrastructure, innovation, and health, it makes clear that no new “core” funding will be directed toward colleges and universities for the next fiscal year.

Key Takeaways

Science and Research: A Boost for Canada’s Innovation Engine

The budget announces a $1.3 billion increase in the annual allocation for “Science, Innovation, and Economic Development Canada,” bringing the total to approximately $12.5 billion. The funds will be distributed across several key pillars:

1. Canada Research Chairs (CRC) – The CRC program, a cornerstone of Canada’s research ecosystem, receives a 4.5% lift in its funding, enabling the government to attract and retain world‑class talent in fields ranging from artificial intelligence to quantum computing.

2. Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) – The CFI’s operating budget climbs by 7.4%, which will support the construction and modernization of research infrastructure, such as clean‑room facilities and high‑performance computing clusters.

3. Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) – CIHR’s budget is increased by 4.2%, with a particular focus on pandemic preparedness, genomics, and mental‑health research. The new allocation will help accelerate vaccine development and support long‑term studies on the social determinants of health.

4. Science and Technology for the Nation (S&T) – The budget enhances funding for national labs and research consortia, providing $650 million in additional research grants. The funds aim to advance Canada’s competitiveness in emerging technologies such as quantum information science and advanced materials.

5. Climate‑Related R&D – A $300 million boost will accelerate research into clean energy, carbon capture, and sustainable agriculture, supporting Canada’s net‑zero targets.

Minister Poilievre stated, “Canada’s science and innovation agenda is more important now than ever. These investments will strengthen our position as a global leader in research and technology, drive economic growth, and create jobs across the country.”

No Core Funding for Colleges and Universities

While the budget signals a robust commitment to basic research, it takes a markedly different stance toward the core funding of colleges and universities. The government’s decision to forego any new federal core investments means that institutions will have to rely on provincial contributions, tuition revenue, and private funding to cover day‑to‑day operational costs.

The federal government retains the same level of support for specific research projects and innovation initiatives, but the lack of core funding has raised concerns among university administrators and faculty. Several higher‑education stakeholders, including the Canadian Association of University Students (CAUS) and the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS), have called on the government to reconsider its approach, arguing that stable core funding is essential for maintaining educational quality and supporting research activities.

Linking to the Broader Policy Landscape

The budget’s emphasis on science and research aligns with the federal government’s long‑term “Science, Innovation, and Economic Development” strategy, which seeks to place Canada among the top five science‑intensive economies by 2030. The new allocations are also consistent with the Canada Innovation Agenda, which identifies three pillars: high‑growth research, high‑impact investment, and workforce development.

For more detail on the federal budget’s allocations, the full document is available on the Government of Canada’s official budget website: [ https://www.budget.gc.ca/2024/eng/ ]. The Science, Innovation, and Economic Development Canada portal provides deeper insights into programmatic changes: [ https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/116.nsf/eng/home ]. Additionally, stakeholders may consult the Canada Research Chairs website for updated application guidelines: [ https://www.chairs-research.ca/ ], and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research portal for funding opportunities: [ https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/ ].

Conclusion

Canada’s 2024 federal budget represents a nuanced stance on higher education and research funding. While the government is doubling down on science, innovation, and health research—pushing for a stronger research ecosystem—the decision to omit core funding for colleges and universities marks a significant shift in the fiscal relationship between the federal government and the country’s post‑secondary institutions. This move underscores a broader strategy to prioritize research excellence and innovation while encouraging provinces and institutions to take greater responsibility for core operational budgets. As the budget takes effect, its impact on research capacity, student finances, and the broader innovation landscape will become increasingly evident.