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R&D Statistics

In 2001, 63 percent of the federal government's S&T expenditures were allocated to R&D activities. The federal government contributes to national R&D objectives by:

• funding R&D through granting councils and private sector contracts,
• conducting R&D in its laboratories, and
• fostering a climate conducive to R&D by providing tax credits, grants and other support services
• Funding for the 3 research granting councils has been increased by CA $600 million, in particular:
• Health and medical research doubled to CA $484 million over 4 years to 2000/01; and
• Non-medical research councils increased to CA $400 million.

The Economic Statement and Budget update on 18 October 2000, included additional funding for the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI):

• CA $250 million, for infrastructure awards to Canada Research Chairs, with no matching funding requirement for Chairs at smaller universities;
• CA $400 million, for operating costs incurred at public research facilities - tertiary institutions and hospitals; and
• CA $100 million, for participation in international research projects.

The Canadian government is also funding research centres with particular technology focuses, to create niche industries and enhance the competitiveness of existing industries, such as the new Advanced Aluminium Technology Centre.

Canada is moving quickly to become a knowledge-based society, investing heavily in university research, domestic partnerships, high-tech small and medium-sized companies and the information highway. Canada which imports a major percentage of its new technologies, is firmly committed to creating an effective environment that will enhance Canada's participation in international S&T, helping ensure its access to global knowledge. Total Canadian expenditures on R&D reached $9,363 million in 1998, ranking it 7th in the world. This is a decline of about 3 percent ($9,606 million) from 1977. Business expenditure on R&D remained steady; increasing slightly from $5,970 million in 1986 to $5,985 million in 1998. In 1999, the government funded about 11 percent of R&D performed in Canada. Business funded about 63 percent with universities accounting for 24 percent. Compared to most other OECD countries, universities fund a relatively higher amount of total R&D in Canada.