CAUT | ACPPU

Canadian Association of University Teachers

Issues & Campaigns

Two thirds of Canadians are concerned about cuts to research funding, and the same majority believes government should not steer research, according to a Harris Decima poll conducted in April.

Of the 67% of respondents who said they were concerned about funding cuts to research, half said they were “very concerned”.

When asked who should set research priorities, 66% chose the scientific community, compared to 34% who chose the federal government.

When it comes to who to trust in the current debate over research funding, 44% say they trust university and college researchers, compared to just 9% who said they trust the federal government.

The telephone poll was conducted with 2,021 adult Canadians between April 2 and April 13, 2009. Results are considered accurate within plus or minus 2.2%, 19 times out of 20.

The poll also questioned respondents about political leadership and the economy, trust in academic staff and views on their salaries, access to post-secondary education and tuition fees.

A summary of questions asked and answers given is available here.

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