Canada must make significant increases in funding for research to keep the nation competitive, Universities Canada said in a statement released in anticipation of the federal budget set for Tuesday.

“Canada’s peers are increasing research funding because they see the economic opportunities of providing long-term and stable funding for science,” said Paul Davidson, president of Universities Canada. “Without similar ambition, we will miss out on these opportunities.”

The statement said the health of Canada’s research ecosystem is central to fostering innovation and developing talent — two critical elements Canada needs to ensure its long-term prosperity.

It called for renewed investments in research funding through the federal granting agencies, the creation of an additional 1,000 Canada Research Chairs, and enhancements to the Canada Graduate Scholarships to restore their value to historic levels.

Read the entire statement on the Universities Canada website.