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, March 30, 2012 – The Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities (CREPUQ) is pleased to note that Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has recognized the critical importance of research and innovation in developing a real knowledge-based society. The investments contained in the 2012-2013 federal budget are all the more notable considering that finances remain tight.

“The budget includes money intended specifically for developing industry-university partnerships, as well as significant funds to finance basic research infrastructure. Research is a complex sector: a balance must be maintained between basic and applied research and all fields of knowledge must be adequately supported,” noted Luce Samoisette, Chair-Elect of the CREPUQ Board of Directors and Rector of Sherbrooke University.

CREPUQ is particularly pleased with the following budget commitments: $500 million over five years for the Canadian Foundation for Innovation; $60 million for Genome Canada to launch a new competition for applied research in human health and to support Science and Technology Innovation Centres until 2014-2015; $40 million over two years to support CANARIE’s ultra high-speed research network; and $37 million a year, beginning in 2012-2013, for the three federal granting agencies to develop industry-university partnerships.

“The budget tabled yesterday by Finance Minister Flaherty takes us into the future by supporting research and innovation and by investing in advanced research to attract the most qualified students and scientists,” added Daniel Zizian, Director General of CREPUQ.

CREPUQ notes that the federal Indirect Costs Program is protected and its funding envelope is adjusted to account for changes in subsidies. However, funding remains insufficient to cover significant university expenses related to research infrastructure, laboratory maintenance and researcher support.

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