Conférence des recteurs et des principaux des universités du Québec

• Activities by Sector
  • Administration and Finance
  • Legal Affairs and Archives
  • Analyse des politiques publiques
  • Teaching and Research
    • Academic Affairs
    • Admission and Student Files
    • Current Program Evaluation Review
    • Ethics in University Research
    • Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
    • Libraries
    • Medical Affairs
    • Program Proposal Evaluation
    • Research
    • Student Services
    • University Sports
  • Information and Public Relations
  • Institutional Research
  • International Relations
  • Human Resources, Health and Safety
• Publications
• Useful Links
  • Ministries and Agencies
  • Research Guides
  • Student Federations and Unions
  • University Associations
  • Research Agencies
  • Business
  • School and College Associations
  • Professional Organizations

Montreal, June 6, 2011 – The Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities (CREPUQ) is pleased with the research and innovation measures announced by federal Finance Minister James Flaherty.

The measures include a $37 million increase for the three federal research granting councils and an additional $10 million for the indirect costs of research; $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 so the foundation can continue to support the development and demonstration of new clean technology projects.

“As we noted last March when the previous budget was tabled, we are pleased to see the additional support for research. To remain competitive internationally, encourage innovation and promote the transfer of knowledge and expertise, universities must be able to rely on substantial, appropriate leverage,” 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 funding was budgeted to solve the problem of indirect research costs. Universities will have to continue spending significant sums on research infrastructure, maintaining laboratories and supporting researchers, without adequate support from the federal government. In the budget documents tabled in March 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 as it compromises the competitiveness of university research in Quebec and throughout Canada,” 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