Minister of Science welcomes Canada’s new Chief Science Advisor

Ottawa, September 26, 2017—The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, made the following statement:

“Our government made a promise to Canadians that we would restore science to its rightful place in the federal government. We kept that promise by appointing our new Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer.

“As a distinguished cardiac researcher, Dr. Nemer brings a wealth of scientific expertise to this important position. She spent more than 10 years serving as Vice-President, Research at the University of Ottawa, an experience that equipped her with a deep understanding of Canada’s excellent academic research and science policy communities. Dr. Nemer also participated on many national and international science advisory boards and is a Member of the Order of Canada and a Knight of the Ordre national du Québec. Her diversity of skills and experience makes Dr. Nemer an ideal candidate for this inaugural role in our government.

“Dr. Nemer will be tasked to provide expert and impartial scientific advice to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Science. She will also work to make sure that science is more accessible to Canadians, that federal scientists are free to speak about their work and that the government has access to the scientific evidence it needs to make decisions. Once a year, Dr. Nemer will submit a public report about the state of science in Canada to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Science.

“The Chief Science Advisor position was defined after carrying out extensive consultations with Cabinet members, caucus and key domestic stakeholders in the research community. We also reached out to chief science advisors and public servants in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Israel, as well as to international organizations such as the European Union, the International Council for Science, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

“I’m am pleased to welcome Dr. Nemer to this prestigious position and look forward to working with her as we strengthen science in Canada.”

Follow Minister Duncan on social media.
Twitter: @ScienceMin
Instagram: sciencemin

For further information (media only), please contact:

Michael Bhardwaj
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Science
343-291-2600

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca