Press Release

Ottawa, ON, November 4, 2025 — Research Canada welcomes the Government of Canada’s 2025 Budget, which includes a new International Talent Attraction Strategy and Action Plan to help Canada attract top-tier international researchers, alongside continued support for Canada’s health research ecosystem. The $1.7 billion suite of investments to attract high-quality talent and researchers from abroad will ensure Canada can compete globally for scientific and innovation leadership.

This measure aligns closely with recommendations in Research Canada’s Budget Submission advocating for strategic investments to attract and retain top research talent.

“We are very pleased to see the government committing to this critical investment,” said Alison Evans, President and CEO of Research Canada. “Our members have long advocated for bold action to make Canada a destination of choice for outstanding researchers. This $1.7 billion initiative has the potential to position the country to capture both scientific and economic returns from world-class talent. We look forward to seeing additional details on how this program will be implemented and stand ready to work with the government to ensure these investments translate into real-world impact, supporting researchers, institutions, and the broader research ecosystem.”

The budget also responds to the health research and innovation community’s urging for measures that help move research outputs along the value chain. In addition to strengthening our A.I. computing system, enhancements to the SR&ED program and the new Buy Canadian Program for strategic procurement, Research Canada applauds other measures including:

• $656.9 million to ISED to spur commercialization of dual civilian-military solutions across aerospace, artificial intelligence, biodefence, and life sciences and other key industries
• Accelerated pathways for H1-B visa holders to help strengthen innovation, address labour shortages, and attract top talent in health, research and advanced industries
• $5 billion for the Health Infrastructure Fund to help provinces and territories better service Canadians through enhanced hospital and emergency room infrastructure
• $80 million over four years for the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network of the Terry Fox Research Institute (effective FY26-27) to accelerate precision medicine across our country to improve survival and quality of life for Canadians diagnosed with cancer
• $1 billion for the Business Development Bank of Canada for a new Venture and Growth Capital Catalyst Initiative to leverage more private venture capital and support new and emerging fund managers in key sectors such as life sciences.

Research Canada has spent the past year facilitating conversations on the power of the “Health Economy” — the understanding that strategic investments in health research and innovation generate both significant economic and societal returns. Today’s Budget brings Canada closer to realizing that vision. By attracting and retaining top researchers, strengthening Canadian institutions, and translating discoveries into treatments, technologies, and companies, we can create jobs, drive domestic value, and enhance global competitiveness. Innovation in health systems further improves healthcare outcomes and reduces long-term costs.

“We are also pleased to see Prime Minister Carney acknowledge the life sciences as a priority area where Canada has immense talent and potential,” said Evans. “Today’s announcements are a strong step toward realizing the potential of the Canadian Health Economy. We look forward to working with the government, institutions, and industry partners to ensure these investments translate into discoveries, businesses, and better outcomes for Canadians.”

About Research Canada

Research Canada is a national alliance of health research organizations, academic institutions, hospitals, charities, and industry. We lead the national conversation on the Health Economy, showing how strategic investments in health research, innovation, and talent can drive prosperity, productivity, and public good.