Reality Check: Another Conservative attack against science

A Statistics Canada report published today shows that Stephen Harper’s Conservatives are putting science and technology through the wringer—again.

In 2013-2014, the federal government will be cutting $355 million of investments in science and tech. That’s right: instead of investing in innovation, Conservatives prefer wrong-headed and irresponsible cuts.

Some departments’ funding for research and technology will be reduced dramatically. For example, Industry Canada’s budget will be slashed by $87 million, an 18.6% reduction, while Agriculture Canada will lose $64 million, a 12.6% decrease.

In their 2011 election platform, Conservatives promised to “promote innovation – and ultimately to help create good jobs and foster long-term economic growth.” Their short-term vision for research and technology will instead significantly harm Canadian economic development in the coming years.

Canadians deserve better.