The committee was studying the mandate and work of the Office of the Chief Science Advisor, and heard from Dr. Mona Nemer, the Chief Science Advisor of Canada.
Dr. Nemer described her mandate as resting on four pillars: providing scientific advice for public policy, advancing research excellence, strengthening public trust in science, and promoting international scientific collaboration. She highlighted recent advice on a nuclear fusion strategy and a natural capital accounting framework, and noted work on a national data governance framework, updated research integrity policies, and Arctic research safety. She recommended that the government make her position permanent through legislation, as previously suggested by the committee.
In response to questions, Dr. Nemer confirmed she was not consulted on the closure of agricultural research centres, cuts to the science branch at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the closure of a CFIA marine biotoxin lab in Quebec, the amendment to the Pest Control Products Act in Bill C-30, or the cancellation of the lunar rover mission. She stated that zigzag funding is not good for science and that stable funding is important, but she also cautioned against sweeping characterizations without full details, noting that research sometimes shifts between government, universities, and the private sector. She disagreed with the suggestion that cuts necessarily harm science quality, emphasizing the need for a holistic view.
Dr. Nemer confirmed she participated in consultations on the government's AI strategy and that recommendations from her youth council were included. She said she had not met with the Prime Minister since the election but was in regular contact with ministers. On the AI strategy's transparency, she noted that thousands participated in consultations but could not comment on the release of specific details. She stressed the importance of AI literacy, sovereign AI capacity, and transparency when AI is used in federal decisions.
On science in French, Dr. Nemer supported creating a secretariat to coordinate efforts and said her office would be happy to take on that responsibility if asked. She recommended starting by gathering data on francophone grant applicants and theses submitted in French.
On diversity in research hiring, Dr. Nemer stated that excellence and inclusion are not in conflict and that she has never seen a situation where a person was hired who did a lesser job because of their race or gender. She said diversity helps people see themselves in science and is important for communities.
On scientific disinformation, Dr. Nemer called it a whole-of-society challenge and said trust in science is essential for democracy. She noted that people who are not qualified to give medical advice should not do so, and that respected community leaders should be part of the conversation.
On commercialization and IP, Dr. Nemer acknowledged Canada struggles to connect research and innovation, and said the minister has asked her for recommendations on accelerating commercialization. She noted that IP management is critical, especially in health, and that securing IP is costly. She said indicators are needed to evaluate whether strategies like the AI strategy are working.
On data sovereignty, Dr. Nemer said there is an urgent need to ensure Canada controls its own data and uses algorithms developed domestically, as long as data remains vulnerable to foreign laws like the CLOUD Act.
The meeting concluded without procedural debate, motions, or votes.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors; verify against the official evidence.