Category: Advocacy

Read CAN’s brief submitted to the 2025 FINA Pre-budget consultations

Posted on | by Julie

We are happy to share with you CAN’s pre-budget brief submission for the Consultations launched by the Finance committee of the House of Commons.

https://can-acn.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/CAN-FINA-Submission-July-2025_final-1.pdf

Our two main recommendations are an effective doubling of tri-agency budget over the coming years, and increased investment in brain-related programs. 

We believe if multiple organizations submit similar recommendations, including the proposal to double tri-agency funds as a nation-building project, this could have some impact, and therefore wanted to share this with you in advance of the submission deadline, which is August 1st.

In case you missed it, here is the call for briefs:

https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/45-1/FINA/news-release/13575827

and here is a link to submit, should your organisation also want to weigh in:

https://www.ourcommons.ca/committees/en/FINA/StudyActivity?studyActivityId=13109197

Also note that individuals can also send in briefs, and that we will be encouraging CAN members to do so. 

It is also possible to send formal submission directly to the Department of Finances here:

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/consultations/2025/pre-budget-consultations-2025.html

The deadline for this second consultation  is Aug 28, and CAN will be sending a similar brief to this consultation also.

Advocacy webinar – Bridging Science and Policy: Tools for Effective Advocacy

Posted on | by Julie

Description

Join Evidence for Democracy (E4D), Canada’s leading voice for science, evidence-informed public policy, and transparent decision-making, for an engaging and interactive workshop titled “Bridging Science and Policy: Tools for Effective Advocacy.” This session is designed to equip scientists and researchers with the knowledge and skills to become effective advocates for science. Participants will gain insights into the basics of science policy, the importance of evidence in policy-making, the fundamentals of science advocacy, and how to engage with elected officials. Whether you are new to advocacy or looking to enhance your existing skills, this workshop will provide valuable tools to make your voice heard and ensure science and evidence are at the forefront of public decision-making. 

View the recording here:

CAN at the 2024 Canadian Science Policy Conference

Posted on | by Julie

The Canadian Association for Neuroscience was happy to participate in the Canadian Science Policy Conference last month in Ottawa, and in the symposium organized by the Canadian Brain Research Strategy: “Scaling Research for Impact: From Local Insights to Global Solutions“ on November 20, 2025.

Read more about the symposium here: https://canadianbrain.ca/canadian-science-policy-conference-brain-health-and-research-summit-2024/

cspc event

CAN Hill Day 2024

Posted on | by Julie

The Canadian Association for Neuroscience was proud to host its annual CAN Parliament Hill Day in Ottawa on November 5, 2024.

It was a full day of meetings with elected officials and representatives of the main federal funding agencies to discuss how to better support scientific research in Canada.

Continue reading →

Read our submission to pre-budget consultations

Posted on | by Julie

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance invited Canadians to participate in its annual pre-budget consultations process. The committee will table a report on these consultations in the House of Commons with recommendations to be considered by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance in the development of the 2025 federal budget.

Read CAN’s submission to these consultations here:

CAN FINA submission

The Canadian Association for Neuroscience applauds new investments in science and research announced in budget 2024

Posted on | by Julie

The Canadian Association for Neuroscience applauds new investments in science and research announced in budget 2024 by the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Finances of Canada. These announcements demonstrate that scientific research has real-world benefits to people across Canada, to Canada’s economy, and to Canada’s future prosperity. We specifically applaud the following measures:

Increased funding for graduate student scholarships and post-doctoral fellowships

Continue reading →

Research is the key to better brain health

Posted on | by Julie

One in two people will suffer from a mental illness across their lifetime. It is estimated that 1.7 million Canadians will suffer from dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, by the year 2030. The burden of brain disorders and diseases has substantially increased over the last 25 years with the aging of the population and the negative impact of the pandemic. This is having a detrimental impact on the economy, healthcare systems, and Canadian livelihood. Neurodegenerative diseases are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide, and mental health disorders are the leading cause of days off work.

Canada is fortunate to have a rich and diverse community of brain scientists who tackle this challenge from many different angles. In addition to neurologists and brain surgeons, who treat patients directly, we must remember that the development of innovative treatment avenues relies on new basic research. Continue reading →