Government of Canada announces creation of external advisory panel on the creation and dissemination of scientific information in French

GATINEAU, October 22, 2024

Canadians value French and scientific research. We also value our post-secondary education system and research in French in Canada. For many years, French-speaking researchers have had to contend with several major obstacles: the fragility of Francophone research infrastructure, the lack of appropriate resources and the predominance of English in the dissemination of scientific knowledge. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to improving conditions for the production and dissemination of scientific research in French in Canada.

Today, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, announced an investment of $8.5 million over five years to support and strengthen Canada’s French-language research ecosystem. This investment aims to respond to the pressing challenges facing French-speaking researchers by offering them better support for the production, discoverability and dissemination of their work in French.

To support this effort, an external advisory group on the creation and dissemination of scientific information in French will be established. This group will provide advice and recommendations to Minister Boissonnault and develop a federal strategy to ensure the long-term viability of Canada’s French-language research ecosystem.

The advisory panel’s mandate will be to analyze the current dynamics of the creation and dissemination of scientific knowledge in French in Canada. It will also propose actions that account for the dynamics of official language minority communities and Quebec.

The panel is made up of experts and specialists from across Canada who will share their knowledge and experience in a variety of fields. They are:

• Anne Leis, Professor, University of Saskatchewan
• Danielle de Moissac, Professor, Université de Saint-Boniface
• Gary W. Slater, Professor, University of Ottawa
• Linda Cardinal, Professor and Associate Vice-President of Research, Université de l’Ontario français
• Mamadou Fall, Distinguished University Professor and Director, University of Ottawa
• Valérie Lapointe-Gagnon, Associate Professor, Faculté Saint-Jean, University of Alberta
• Vincent Larivière, Professor, Université de Montréal
• Michelle Landry, Associate Professor, Université de Moncton
• Rémi Léger, Professor, Simon Fraser University
• Patrick Poirier, Executive Director Les Presses, Université de Montréal

The Government of Canada’s investment is part of its broader commitment to promoting official languages and supporting Francophone communities across the country, while contributing to an inclusive and diverse research environment.

The government’s investment was made through the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration, unveiled April 26, 2023. It allows the Government of Canada to support measures focused on Francophone immigration, economic development, education, justice, health, arts and culture.