The United States has been scrambling the ground for the past few months, amidst massive funding cuts and new restrictions ordered by Donald Trump.
But while the weakening of the U.S. scientific community has had a profound impact on the global academic landscape, experts say one side effect may be the top talent in the U.S. coming to Canada.
Some researchers, scholars and scientists have already made their journeys on the road – some provinces and organizations in Canada are seeking benefits.
“The more problems and attention arise in the United States, the more opportunities Canada will have to reestablish its leadership in the world as a global research powerhouse,” said Gabriel Miller, president and CEO of the University of Canada.
The dominant force in the academic world
The United States has long been the dominant force in academia and is home to many of the most respected universities in the world. However, Trump began an active campaign in his second term, increasingly targeting academia and scientific organizations to reduce government spending and oppose diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.
In the past few months, the government has cut federal funds, Restricted Leading institutions From communication Walk with international partners. Trump also issued execution orders that led many organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to remove scientific datasets and censor language.
The work of most researchers at risk is contrary to the new government’s stated goals. The Environmental Protection Agency terminated a grant agreement for the $20 billion U.S. clean energy and climate-friendly program and now requires Canadian researchers applying to accept U.S. grant funds to confirm that there is no “DEI” element in their projects, as well as other fees-based inquiries.
“This is an attack on our chances of being at universities, academic freedom and asking about any type of topic,” Quebec chief scientist Rémi Quirion told CBC News.
Against this backdrop, some American scholars have decided to advance their skills to the North. Philosophy professor Jason Stanley recently left a position at the University of Toronto at Yale University, citing Trump’s “far-right regime.”
Two other Yale historians took the same move earlier this year. Married Timothy Snyder and Marci Shore will take a leave from Yale and plan to start teaching courses in the fall at T’s School of Global Affairs and Public Policy.
Snyder is the best-selling author The road to not introduced and 20 lessons in the 21st century in tyranny,the latter It’s about Authoritarianism needs to be endured when threatening democracy.
They are not the only American experts who care about moving to Canada. Although there is no specific data yet, some people in the Canadian research community, including university leaders and professors, have reported that scientists working or training in the United States have increased their interest, said Mona Nemer, chief scientific consultant in Canada.
The U.S. crisis may be an opportunity for Canada
Quebec immigration minister Jean-François Roberte announced earlier this month that the province is actively seeking to recruit scientific talent from the United States, keeping alert to what he calls “the direction of climate doubt that the White House is taking.”
“Every crisis brings opportunities,” he said at an event held by the Montreal Diplomatic Relations Council.
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Quirion said Canada could be an attractive option for researchers in the field and other researchers targeting cuts.
He said, especially in Quebec, academic freedom is legally guaranteed. (However, this has caused its own controversy, as the law was created due to debates about whether professors should be suspended for saying racial slander in the course).
Other provinces also want to attract our workers. Both Manitoba and B.C. Campaigns have been launched in the past two months to attract more U.S. health care professionals.
Jennie Massey, partner at KBRS, executive search firm of New Brunswick, told CBC News Earlier this month In the morning after Trump took office, she received 14 applications. She said most of the scholars who are looking to join Canadian universities and universities.
The court challenges and rebound may have caused the U.S. government to reverse some of the recent funding freezes, but the impact on the field continues.
“If your grants are stopped for a few months, it’s basically hard to keep coming back and keep the momentum of researching the subject,” Quirion said.
“Soon, you lose your competitiveness, or you lose interest, because you don’t have enough support for the research project.”
Complications of attracting American talent
Ironically, Canada has been trying to reduce international students and new permanent residents as some regions try to attract more American talent.
October, the federal government Announced a reduction At the immigration level, to relieve pressure on the housing market. Under the plan, more than 40% of new permanent residents will be temporary residents who already live in Canada in 2025.
The cap announced last year also triggered layoffs Lower enrollment As international students lose income from tuition fees, canceling plans at certain post-secondary institutions may affect their ability to acquire new teaching talents.
Currently, Canada needs to invest more in the way American talent comes to the country, Quirion said.
He suggested that the existing avenue could be expanded and chaired by the Canadian Chair of Research Excellence, who supported Canadian universities to invest $10 million in seven years to attract researchers.
In some parts of Canada, the issue of dealing with academic freedom remains controversial. Earlier this month, Alberta Exempted post-secondary institution Under a requirement that they get provincial approval before reaching an agreement with the federal government after pressure from academic organizations. Currently debates are being held in Nova Scotia on the proposed bill Critics say It will give the government too much control over the university’s funding.
Despite this, Canada still has unique opportunities right now, Miller said.
“The benefit of this moment is a reminder that we should cherish the outstanding research done in universities and that we can use this moment to reaffirm that we will be leaders and that we will win in the global talent competition.
“It’s a wake-up call, the question is, will we hear it?”
