Canada’s piecemeal and punitive approach to science contrasts US
US President Obama’s vocal and passionate support for an increased role for science and technology in his country’s economy and culture has generated widespread commentary north of the border in Canada. My colleagues at DontLeaveCanadaBehind and Genomicron, for instance, both feature the item prominently. The Globe and Mail’s US columnist John Ibbitson, however, provides the most passionate and insightful commentary. I encourage you to read his piece.
Ibbitson’s column contrasts the US administration’s announcement with the Canadian government’s recent budgetary cuts to the research funding agencies here: “The Obama administration’s multibillion-dollar investments coincide with the Canadian government’s decision to cut $148-million in funding to the three agencies that support basic research at Canadian universities”. He suggests:
But the two countries are pursuing fundamentally different approaches to funding research in the midst of a recession and with manufacturing industries in chronic decline.
While Prime Minister Harper concentrates on targeted funding in certain specific areas, in hopes of generating marketable ideas that promote economic growth, President Obama is pursing a comprehensive approach aimed at fundamentally reorienting government, schools, universities and the private sector in favour of science and technology.
That strategy is in stark contrast to the piecemeal and even punitive approach that this and previous federal Canadian governments have taken to government-funded research.
Ibbitson suggests that it is in the American character to pursue big national dreams such as this, whereas Canadians are more pragmatic and conservative. In this instance, though, he seems to suggest we could use some dramatic thinking:
…rarely has the contrast been so stark: Barack Obama would recreate the American economy, restoring its postwar lustre as a scientific juggernaut.
Stephen Harper would watch the till.
