Canadian Science Policy Centre

Canadian Science Policy Centre
Name	Canadian Science Policy Centre
Formation	2009
Type	Non-profit organization
Headquarters	Ottawa, Ontario
Region served	Canada
Leader title	Executive Director

Canadian Science Policy Centre is a Canadian not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing evidence-informed policy-making by connecting scientists, policy-makers, and stakeholders across provinces such as Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. Founded to address gaps between research institutions and decision-making bodies, it fosters dialogues among entities including Universities Canada, the National Research Council (Canada), and federal departments like Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. The centre operates through conferences, publications, and collaborative initiatives that engage participants from organizations such as Natural Resources Canada, Health Canada, and provincial ministries.

History

The organization was established in 2009 amid national conversations involving actors like Canada Research Chairs Program, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and leaders from universities including the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia. Early partners included the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Royal Society of Canada, and think tanks such as the Canada West Foundation and the Institute for Research on Public Policy. Over time its network expanded to include municipal bodies like the City of Toronto and Indigenous institutions such as Assembly of First Nations affiliates, reflecting influences from events like the 2015 Canadian federal election and policy shifts related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Prominent figures connected to its evolution have included academics from Carleton University, Queen's University, and policy leaders formerly of Global Affairs Canada and the Privy Council Office.

Mission and Objectives

The centre’s stated mission aligns with priorities set by organizations such as the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, the Canadian Association of Physicists, and the Canadian Mathematical Society: to bridge the gap between scientific evidence and decisions made by bodies like Parliament of Canada, provincial legislatures such as the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, and agencies including the Public Health Agency of Canada. Objectives emphasize engagement with researchers from institutions such as the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), and the Institute of Ocean Sciences, collaboration with industry partners like Bombardier and BlackBerry Limited, and outreach to non-profit organizations including the Canadian Red Cross and the David Suzuki Foundation.

Programs and Activities

Programs test models of interaction similar to initiatives by the Canadian Science Writers' Association and the Council of Canadian Academies. Activities include policy briefings involving experts from the Canadian Space Agency, workshops co-hosted with the Bank of Canada or provincial research funds such as Alberta Innovates, and mentorship programs linked to professional societies like the Canadian Medical Association and the Canadian Psychological Association. The centre publishes reports and commentaries drawing on contributors from the Fraser Institute, the Broadbent Institute, and university research centres like the Institute for Science, Society and Policy (University of Ottawa). It also partners with international organizations such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the World Health Organization for comparative analyses.

Conferences and Events

Annual flagship conferences attract delegates from institutions including the House of Commons of Canada, the Senate of Canada, and research entities like Genome Canada, the Parks Canada Agency, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Past keynote speakers have represented bodies such as the European Commission, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The events host roundtables with contributors from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, and academic departments at McMaster University and Dalhousie University. The centre also organizes regional forums in cities like Vancouver, Montreal, and Halifax to engage provincial ministries such as Ministry of Health (British Columbia) and Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (Ontario).

Governance and Funding

Governance structures reflect models used by organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Federation of Students, with boards populated by representatives from universities like Simon Fraser University, non-profits like Cultural Human Resources Council, and corporate partners including Hydro-Québec. Funding sources combine support from agencies such as the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and corporate sponsors from sectors represented by SNC-Lavalin and TC Energy. Grants and contracts have come from public bodies including the Canada Foundation for Innovation and philanthropic foundations similar to the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the W. Garfield Weston Foundation.

Impact and Recognition

The centre’s influence is noted in citations by parliamentary committees such as the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology and references in reports from the Canadian Council of Academies and the Office of the Auditor General of Canada. Its role in shaping dialogues has been acknowledged by think tanks like the Fraser Institute and advocacy groups such as the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. Awards and recognitions associated with contributors include accolades from the Canadian Science Policy Awards community and mentions in publications like the Globe and Mail and the National Post. Collaborative outputs have informed policy deliberations involving entities such as Environment and Climate Change Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada, and the Health Standards Organization.

Category:Science policy in Canada