A new C$1.7 billion (Rs.11,220 crore) initiative to attract international researchers to Canada has been praised as a “call to action” by the federal government. On December 9, the government announced more details of the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative after it was included in November’s federal budget. The series of programmes is intended to attract more than 1,000 leading international researchers to Canada over 12 years.

The federal government says it is one of the largest recruitment programmes of its kind in the world, specifically designed for speed and flexibility to bring in the best researchers in fields critical to the Canadian economy. The announcement “is a call to action from the federal government to realise this opportunity and make Canada a world leader in research and innovation”, according to Robert Asselin, chief executive of the U15 organisation of Canadian research universities.

In a message to prospective international researchers, Asselin says Canada is a supportive and welcoming destination, with world-class research universities to partner with, which “remain steadfast in defending academic freedom”.

Félix Proulx-Giraldeau, interim executive director of policy non-profit Evidence for Democracy, says investment recognises that supporting top talent is the foundation for building a stronger, more resilient and prosperous Canada. “Canada’s cutting-edge research sector has a proven track record of successfully attracting the best and brightest across the globe. We call on the federal government to continue investing in top talent at every career stage — from internationally recognised researchers to promising graduate students — ensuring they have the resources and support required to advance Canadian science and innovation.”