Federal Science

Federal Science Working for Canadians

Science and technology (S&T) comes into almost every aspect of our lives, helping us to solve problems and create opportunities. Scientific discoveries and new technologies provide solutions to many of the issues most important to Canadians, giving us the knowledge and the means to preserve the quality of our environment, protect endangered species, improve our health, enhance public safety and security and manage our natural and energy resources. Scientific and technological innovations enable modern economies to improve competitiveness and productivity, giving us the means to achieve an even higher standard of living and better quality of life. Canada has a long and proud history of research excellence and scientific success. Canadian innovations are making important differences in people's lives and changing the world for the better.

The work of the federal S&T community makes a significant difference in the lives of Canadians.  The federal Science and Technology (S&T) community is working together to create a competitive advantage for Canadians and Canadian companies. Important research leading to new discoveries is funded and conducted by the federal government. 

Strategic partnerships between federal science and technology organizations help strengthen Canada’s economy and society by creating knowledge and commercializing technology. These important collaborations make it possible to develop innovative solutions that benefit Canadians in priority areas such as health and wellness, sustainable energy, the environment and information and communications technology.

Government of Canada researchers are at the forefront of research, working together to develop innovative science and technology solutions for Canadians. Their work includes the completion of the genome sequencing of flu virus samples, the development of hydrogen fuel cells or the next vehicle destined for space and the creation of digital media content and applications.

The federal government plays a major role in Canadian S&T, with annual S&T expenditures of around $10 billion dollars.  Federal S&T includes scientists, engineers and professionals working in nearly 200 federal laboratories and research facilities.  Federal S&T is a major source of Canadian science, contributing a significant proportion of all Canadian scientific publications in key areas such as the environment.

Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage -- 2007

Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage: Progress Report 2009

To access additional information on how federal science-based departments and agencies (SBDA) are contributing to Canada’s science and technology initiatives and goals, please click on the links on the right hand of the page.