SRSR Committee News Release
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Standing Committee on Science and Research |  | Comité permanent de la science et de la recherche |
For immediate release
NEWS RELEASE
The Standing Committee on Science and Research Presents its Report on the Government of Canada’s Graduate Scholarship and Postdoctoral Fellowship Programs
Ottawa, December 12, 2023 -
Today, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research tabled a report entitled Government of Canada’s Graduate Scholarship and Postdoctoral Fellowship Programs in the House of Commons. This is the committee’s eighth substantive report of the first session of the 44th Parliament.Most federal graduate scholarships, such as the Canada Graduate Scholarships at the master's and doctoral levels, have stagnated in value over the past 20 years. When inflation is accounted for, several of these scholarships have fallen in actual value by 50%. While only a small proportion of graduate students receive scholarships and fellowships granted by the federal government, these programs set the standard of the value for the funding provided to other students by universities, provinces, and the private sector.
Many students face severe financial hardship, with some relying on food banks. Many must find additional sources of income by working part-time jobs, increasing their risk of academic failure. Students’ financial hardship also takes a toll on their mental health.
This situation raises questions on the accessibility of graduate studies, with the risk that only the wealthiest or most privileged students are able to afford it. In addition, witnesses highlighted the risk of brain drain if graduate funding in Canada is not competitive with scholarships available in other countries. The training of the next generation of scientists is at stake.
The committee held eight public meetings as part of its study. It heard from 39 witnesses. Witnesses included students’ and university teachers’ associations, universities, government officials and other experts and stakeholders. It received 38 briefs.
Reflecting the evidence received by the committee, the report contains six recommendations to the Government of Canada. Of note, the committee recommends increasing the value of graduate scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships awarded by the federal government, increasing their number and extending their length. In addition, the committee recommended increasing the budget of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to allow for increased graduate student and postdoctoral pay.
“On behalf of the committee, I want to thank all the witnesses who participated in this study and shared their experience, knowledge, time and expertise,” stated Lloyd Longfield, Chair of the committee. He added: “It was important to hear directly from the students and the other stakeholders how the government can improve its graduate scholarship and postdoctoral fellowship programs.”
The report can be consulted on the committee’s web page on the Parliament of Canada website.
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