Government of Canada investment ensures researchers continue to have access to vital statistical data
This week the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced an investment of $17.4 million in the Canadian Research Data Centre Network (CRDCN). Minister Champagne made the announcement at the Canadian Science Policy Centre conference and on behalf, also, of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health. This funding is provided by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The announcement follows the $17.4 million the Government of Canada invested in the Canada Foundation for Innovation, as a first part of this data access project, for a total of $34.8 million over six years.
The CRDCN provides researchers with access to relevant, timely and well-documented data held by Statistics Canada on issues such as population health, housing, education, labour market outcomes, social development and public safety, through a network of 33 research data centres across the country. This, in turn, helps researchers make significant contributions to advancing knowledge and informing a wide range of policy issues for the benefit of Canadians.
In addition to training the next generation of researchers, the CRDCN is building the first virtual research data centre platform, which will enhance the performance of research data centres and provide remote data access to researchers at CRDCN partner universities across Canada. With continued collaboration between the government’s research funding agencies, and by investing in networks like the CRDCN, it is growing research talent and taking steps towards knowledge mobilization in Canada.
Government of Canada announces major investments to support scientists, researchers and students
Quick facts
- The CRDCN is a national research organization headquartered at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.
- The CRDCN facilitates access to Statistics Canada microdata for more than 2,200 researchers across Canada in a wide array of disciplines, enabling cutting-edge university research and training, and informing key areas of public policy.
- The CRDCN supports a diverse research community across the country, where almost 30% of researchers are visible minorities, more than 50% are women and almost 46% are early career researchers.
- Since the CRDCN was first formed in 2000, 606 policy reports have been generated for government and not-for-profit audiences using CRDCN data.
Associated links
- CRDCN
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
- Statistics Canada
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research CRDCN webpage
- Canada Foundation for Innovation
Media relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
medias@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
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