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Federal Election 2011: What does it mean for post-secondary education and research? 
(Tuesday, May 03, 2011) - The election of a majority Conservative government is being greeted with caution by Canada’s academic and scientific community.

The Canadian Association of University Teachers warns that the Conservative platform was the weakest of all political parties in terms of detailing plans to support post-secondary education and research.

“To face the challenges of the future, the government will need to develop a more ambitious plan to ensure Canadians have access to an affordable and high quality university or college education,” says CAUT President Penni Stewart.

The Conservative plan, she notes, provides for only modest changes to student financial assistance and debt relief at a time when more and more families are struggling with the cost of education.

She also worries that a majority Conservative government will continue to under-fund Canada’s research granting councils and to target research based on political priorities, rather than scientific merit.

“Canada’s scientific community has been very critical of the Conservatives bypassing the granting councils and directly funding projects and institutes that meets their political objectives,” adds Stewart. “This clearly threatens the integrity and independence of research in this country.”

Stewart says the Conservatives need to consult more broadly with scientists and to develop a comprehensive science policy that best serves the needs of all Canadians. 

“To move forward, we need to see the government working with and not against the scientific community,” Stewart suggests. “This means reversing ill-advised decisions such as cancelling the mandatory long-form Census and stopping the muzzling of government scientists.”
 


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