Ottawa, 22 March 2023 - The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) and the Quebec Student Union (QSU) is pleased to see student advocacy recommendations make it into the recently released report from the Advisory Panel on Federal Research Support System and would like to thank the Advisory Panel for the meticulous work they have done to prepare this report.
CASA and other student stakeholders have worked tirelessly over the last year to bring attention to the barriers student researchers face when trying to get funding for their research projects. The stagnation in funding for scholarships that was highlighted in the report has been frustrating students who are trying to contribute to Canada’s innovation ecosystem, but struggle to afford everyday goods. As also noted in the report, these barriers are not only hindering students, but also ensuring Canada is falling behind internationally on research.
“CASA has been calling for increased supports for student researchers because we hear from students across Canada that the current funding levels simply aren’t enough,” said Christian Fotang, Chair of CASA, “Students are pleased the advisory panel clearly heard and reflected their concerns in this report.”
The Advisory Panel is recommending an increase of at least 10% annually for five years to better support students and retain talent. The report highlights what CASA has repeatedly stated around the fact that more needs to be done to attract and retain global talent to Canada. The fight for global talent is fierce and a boost to funding for student researchers would not only make life better for our students, but also strengthen Canada’s position in the global innovation economy.
“Quebec students are directly impacted by Tri-Council research funding and we are happy to see this recommendation for increased financial support,” said Samy-Jane Tremblay, President of the Quebec Student Union. “Our students need better support if we want better research outcomes.”
We are hopeful that this call for more support for our top talent will be implemented by the Federal Government and that student voices will continue to be heard. Student researchers should have more funding support and more say on the Tri-Councils’ governing bodies, so that funding gaps like the one we’re seeing today won’t happen again. CASA and the QSU are looking forward to working with the government as they consider and implement the report.
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Media Contact:
Max Greer
Communications and Creative Content Officer
(289)-214-8608
ABOUT CASA
CASA is a non-partisan, not-for-profit advocacy organization representing students at 23 student associations across the country. Through our partnership with the Québec Student Union/Union étudiante du Québec (UEQ), CASA represents 365,000 students across Canada. CASA advocates for accessible, affordable, innovative, and high-quality post-secondary education in Canada. For over 25 years, CASA has done so successfully through policy and research development, awareness campaigns, government relations efforts, and partnerships with other stakeholders in the education sector.
