Re-insert scientific considerations into the heart of decision-making and investment choices.

What success looks like

Government scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and the role of scientific information and empirical evidence is strengthened in government decision making.

Government's narrative on progress

The government updated its Communications Policy to ensure scientists are free to speak in an official capacity on subjects on which they have expertise. Collective agreements covering 15,000 government scientists now enshrine this provision. Canada’s Chief Science Advisor led the development of a model science integrity policy in response to the commitments made under the 2016 Memorandum of Agreement between Treasury Board and Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada. The majority of science-based departments and agencies implemented their departmental integrity policies in December 2018. The government reinstated the mandatory long-form census. The University and College Academic Staff System survey provides accurate information about Canada’s research community. To promote the use of scientific information and evidence-based decision-making, the government updated the guide on preparing Memoranda to Cabinet. The Chief Science Advisor advises the government on ensuring scientific evidence is considered when making decisions. To ensure the government continues to have access to world-class, independent scientific assessments to inform policy development in priority areas, Budget 2018 proposed $9 million for the Council of Canadian Academies, a not-for-profit research organization. So far, four organizations have moved to create a departmental science advisor position, and the first incumbents at the Canadian Space Agency and National Research Council are now in place.

Note: this is the government's own description, not an independent assessment.