Public Engagement
Federal Budget | Humanities and Social Sciences | Informing Public Policy

As the voice of the social sciences and humanities research community, the Federation promotes teaching, research and scholarship, and a better understanding of the importance of such work for Canada and the world.  The Federation is constantly seeking opportunities to show the value and relevance of research in these disciplines to the cultural, social, political and economic life of our country.

New ideas for Canada's research enterprise

The Federation believes that the foundations for innovation must include continued investments in research and teaching - despite fiscal constraints and pressures facing Canada for the coming years. 

Funding for research is a central theme of the Federation's awareness work, providing new ideas on how to best strengthen Canada's research capacity to the benefit of Canadians. The Federation's awareness work also involves showing the importance of arts and social sciences education to build stronger, vibrant Canadian society and economy.

Issues currently at the top of the Federation's agenda include:

  • Funding for social sciences and humanities research;
  • The significant contribution of the social sciences and humanities community to Canadian life;
  • The critical role of the social sciences and humanities in the emerging digital society;
  • Talent development and mobility; and
  • Equity issues in academia.

Federal Budget

Each year, the Federation is actively involved in the consultation surrounding the preparation of the federal budget. Its contribution normally takes the form of a written submission and a presentation to the House of Commons Permanent Committee on Finances.


Humanities and Social Sciences

Each year, the Federation develops and distributes various documents intended to show the value and importance of social sciences and humanities research and training in every aspect of Canadian life. The Federation also submits editorial articles for publication in various media.

 


Informing the Development of Public Policy

From time to time, the Federation is invited to develop and submit briefs as part of various consultations on a range of topics of interest to the research community. These documents are developed with input from the Federation Board of Directors and from its membership.

These submissions to groups such as the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology or party caucuses on post-secondary education, help promote constructive dialogue with Canadians by showing the tangible benefits of a healthy social sciences and humanities research and training enterprise.