York University’s president responds to the federal budget

Dr. Mamdouh Shoukri, president and vice-chancellor of York University

On Feb. 18, York President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri sent this letter to Jim Flaherty, Canada’s minister of finance, following the release of the federal budget:

February 18, 2014

The Honourable Jim Flaherty, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Finance
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON  K1A 0A6

Dear Minister:

I wish to congratulate you and other members of the government on the presentation of the budget plan for 2014. Its numerous provisions in support of exploration and innovation, teaching and the needs of students and graduates portray a far-sighted vision that will benefit Canada far into the future.

With our established record of achievement in research and innovation in such fields as engineering, health, business, environmental science and others, budget initiatives that are of particular interest to the York University community include the following:

  • $1.5 billion for the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, which will enable us to attract and retain top research and innovation talent and maintain high levels of research excellence;
  • $46 million for granting councils, including more assistance for indirect costs as an ongoing component in the councils’ base budgets; 
  • $14 billion for the Building Canada Fund; 
  • $8 million in postdoctoral industrial R&D fellowships through Mitacs for industrial research and training of postdoctoral fellows;
  • $40 million for Canada Accelerator and Incubator Program;
  • $222 million for physics research at TRIUMF; and
  • $10 million over two years for social innovation through research at colleges and polytechnics.

Our researchers and staff are reviewing the detailed provisions of the budget and we are looking forward to working with you and other government officials in the roll-out of these new and enhanced programs.

In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance in any way.

Sincerely,

Mamdouh Shoukri, C.M., O.Ont.
President and Vice-Chancellor

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C.C. Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister
Hon. James Moore, Minister of Industry
Hon. Greg Rickford, Minister of State (Science & Technology)

See also AUCC’s statement of Feb. 11, “Budget 2014 Will Position Canada as World Leader in Research and Innovation“.