OTTAWA, 22 April 2015 – The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) welcomes the Government of Canada’s continuing commitment to advanced research reflected in this year’s budget.
Budget 2015 includes a number of measures that will strengthen university research, which in turn advances innovation and economic growth. As CARL member libraries play an increasingly important role in supporting research data management and the communication of research outcomes, CARL particularly welcomes the announced funding aimed at Canada’s digital research infrastructure. This includes the government’s provision of $105 million over five years, starting immediately, to CANARIE; and an additional $1.33 billion over six years, starting in 2017–18, to the Canada Foundation for Innovation. We are also happy to note the $46 million increased funding to start in 2016 to the granting councils, including $9 million to the Research Support Fund.
“CARL appreciates the government’s recognition that a solid research infrastructure is crucial for the success of the national research enterprise,” said Gerald Beasley, President of CARL, adding that, “Such investment is consistent with our belief in the value of research as a basis for discovery and innovation.”
The government rightly notes the historical importance of 2017, Canada’s 150th anniversary. Budget 2015 proposes to provide $210 million over four years to support activities and events to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017. CARL hopes that the digitization of Canadian documentary heritage of historic significance will be supported by these funds.
In addition, Economic Action Plan 2015 proposes amendments to the Copyright Act to implement and accede to the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled. This treaty fosters, on a global basis, equitable access to published works, and as such, aligns with the values upheld by research libraries.
CARL includes Canada’s twenty-nine largest university libraries. Enhancing research and higher education is at the heart of our mission. CARL promotes effective and sustainable scholarly communication, and public policy that enables broad access to scholarly information.
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For more information:
Susan Haigh, Executive Director
613.482.9344 ext. 101
