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Responding to the global economic crisis
Don’t forget Canada’s “Intellectual Infrastructure”
Ottawa, January 13, 2009 – The Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, a national body representing over 50,000 researchers, scholars and students, is urging the federal government to consider increasing its investment in research and innovation—Canada’s intellectual infrastructure—as part of any public spending program to stimulate the economy.
In a pre-budget consultation letter sent to the Minister of Finance and opposition leaders, the president of the Federation, Nathalie Des Rosiers, is reminding government of the critical role of research and innovation to bolster short-term economic recovery and long-term growth.
“This crisis requires a response tailored to the reality of today’s global knowledge-based economy”, said Prof. Des Rosiers. “Our leaders need to consider innovative approaches both to simulate the economy today and to ensure that Canadians are ready to seize the opportunities that will arise tomorrow.”
The social sciences and humanities research community should be a vital part of any investment to help the country weather the present downturn. Research in these disciplines is critical to bring innovations to the marketplace, improve service delivery, and develop governance practices and business models to drive economic growth and social development. It is estimated that industries that rely on the knowledge and skills generated by the arts, humanities, and social sciences account for nearly $700 billion of Canada’s GDP.
The Federation is also calling on the government to capitalize on the potential of youth as it considers stimulus packages for the economy.
“There are currently more than half a million students enrolled in university programs in the social sciences and humanities. Research in these disciplines is vital to ensure that, upon graduating, these students bring the latest knowledge and training to the workplace,” said Prof. Des Rosiers. “By investing in the development of youth and of our country’s brain power, the government will have a direct and lasting impact on our ability to adapt to the new economic context and compete globally.”
The text of the letter is available online at www.fedcan.ca/budgetJan2009.
Representing more than 50,000 researchers through 66 scholarly associations, 73 universities and colleges, and seven affiliates, the Federation is the voice of Canada’s humanities and social sciences community.
For information:
Pierre Normand
Director of Communications
T 613.238.6112 ext. 351
C 613.282.3489
pnormand@fedcan.ca
www.fedcan.ca
