Disappointment with the Lack of Funding for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars in the Fall Economic Statement
November 21th, 2023
OTTAWA, ON - Support Our Science, an organization dedicated to advocating for increased funding for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in Canada, expresses disappointment at the absence of any new investments for these researchers in the recently announced 2023 Fall Economic Statement.
Despite the pressing need for adequate financial support, the Fall Economic Statement did not address the long-standing stagnation in funding for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. For over two decades, these critical contributors to research and innovation have received no funding increase from the federal government and now face significant financial challenges. The increasing cost of living exacerbates the financial hardships faced by these scholars and hinders their ability to focus on research.
"With such low funding levels, recruiting and retaining research talent in Canada is becoming increasingly difficult," said Dr. Courtney Robichaud, Postdoctoral Scholar and Deputy Director at Support Our Science. “The current system filters out those who don’t have a financial safety net and incentivizes researchers to go abroad where they can better support themselves.”
"Investing in graduate and postdoctoral scholars would lead to immediate and long-term returns on investments. These investments are necessary for Canada to prosper and compete internationally" said Professor Marc Johnson, Chair of the Board at Support Our Science.
While the absence of funding in the Fall Economic Statement is disheartening, Support Our Science remains hopeful for substantial increases in Budget 2024. Over the last year, Support Our Science has heard from many policy makers and government officials about the importance of funding research in Canada, and will continue to engage with policymakers, stakeholders, and the wider community to emphasize the urgency of addressing this critical issue.
We urge the government to consider the critical role that graduate students and postdoctoral scholars play in driving innovation, research, and the knowledge economy of Canada. Adequate support for these individuals is an investment in both their and Canada’s future.
About Support Our Science (SOS): Support Our Science is a grassroots organization advocating for increased pay for all graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in Canada. For more information visit www.supportourscience.ca
Contacts
Dr. Courtney Robichaud
Liber Ero Postdoctoral Fellow
Deputy Director
Support Our Science
courtney.robichaud@carleton.ca
Dr. Marc Johnson
Professor, University of Toronto
Chair of the Board
Support Our Science
marc.johnson@utoronto.ca
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