QUESTION PERIOD — Canadian Heritage
Scientific Research in French
June 2, 2026
Senator Moreau, on May 8, the External Advisory Group on the Creation and Dissemination of Scientific Information in French published its final report in which the group highlighted the regulatory, financial and organizational barriers that are hindering the development of research in French in Canada.
The report highlights how the fragmented governance of the research sector and the difference in funding between small and large universities tend to have a disproportionate impact on funding for research in French.
Can the government representative in the Senate explain how the federal government intends to implement the 12 measures proposed by the advisory group to address the structural challenges identified in its report?
Thank you for the question, Senator Surette. Part of the answer lies in the reason the group was created. As you know, the External Advisory Group on the Creation and Dissemination of Scientific Information in French was part of one of the initiatives in the government’s Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028. As such, given that the group itself is part of the government’s policy and action plan, I’m confident that we will heed the recommendations in the report. I believe I speak for the government on that. The report was tabled not that long ago — I believe it was the end of March. The government has reviewed it, and we’ll see what action it takes, but I’m optimistic.
Thank you for that response. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada also established the Advisory Panel on the Federal Research Support System, which also recommended enhancing support for francophone research in its final report in 2023.
Can you explain how this new report commissioned by Canadian Heritage will enable the two departments to collaborate and implement the recommendations made by these two expert groups?
Thank you for the supplementary question. I understand that the second report will allow the government to prevent any overlap among the different government departments and agencies.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I’d like to reiterate that francophone researchers are within their rights to expect to be able to contribute to scholarship in either official language, theirs being French.
