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Montreal, March 23, 2011– The Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities (CREPUQ) is pleased with the federal government’s plans to invest significantly in research and innovation, as announced in yesterday’s budget speech by Finance Minister James Flaherty.

Among the highlights are an additional $37 million to support the three federal research granting councils and an additional $10 million for the Indirect Costs Program; $53.5 million over five years for the creation of 10 new Canada Excellence Research Chairs; $100 million to help establish the Canada Brain Research Fund; $45 million over five years for National Optics Institute operations; an additional $65 million for Genome Canada to continue its groundbreaking work; $35 million over five years to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) to support excellence in climate and atmospheric research; $40 million over two years to Sustainable Development Technology Canada, directed to grants for new clean technology projects.

“In a time of budget cutbacks, we are pleased to see this additional support for university research, which promotes world-class research and encourages innovation,” said Denis Brière, Chair of the CREPUQ Board of Directors and Rector of Université Laval.

However, the heads of Quebec universities deplore the fact that no substantial funds were budgeted to resolve the problem of indirect research costs. Universities spend significant sums on research infrastructure, maintaining laboratories and supporting researchers, but the real value of those expenditures was not taken into consideration. In budget documents submitted last week by the government of Quebec, the Quebec university shortfall in this area was estimated at $90 million for 2007-2008 alone.

“Adequate funding for indirect research costs is a priority for Quebec’s universities. We are disappointed that the federal budget did not provide a solution to this serious problem,” added Daniel Zizian, President and Director General of CREPUQ.

CREPUQ includes all 18 Quebec universities. The organization acts as their voice in relations with government and milieus concerned with university education and research. It also fosters coordination and collaboration between universities, is a research centre for university administrations, acts as a centre for coordination and joint service delivery, and is a resource centre and think tank for its members.

Source :
Chantal Pouliot, Director of Communications
Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities
514 288-8524, ext. 244
chantal.pouliot@crepuq.qc.ca