Canada Unveils CAN$1.7 Billion Program To Recruit 1,000+ Leading Global Researchers

Canada on Tuesday launched a CAN$1.7 billion (about US$1.2 billion) federal initiative aimed at recruiting more than 1,000 top international and expatriate researchers to work at Canadian institutions. Federal officials describe the package as "one of the largest recruitment programs of its kind globally," designed to complement recruitment strategies already announced by major universities and hospital networks.

Program Details and Goals

The program will provide financial support and incentives to attract leading researchers from around the world, including targeted support for French-speaking scientists. Ottawa says the initiative is intended to strengthen Canada’s research ecosystem, reverse long-standing "brain drain," and make Canadian institutions more competitive for global talent.

Why Now?

Government officials and experts say the move comes at a moment of shifting global dynamics in research funding. Cuts and policy changes in the United States under President Donald Trump have prompted concern among some scientists and have created opportunities for other countries to court displaced or unsettled researchers.

"Some countries are turning their backs on academic freedom. We won't do that," Industry Minister Melanie Joly said at a press conference, adding that the program will be global but that many researchers "south of the border" have already expressed interest.

Complementary International Moves

The federal package builds on independent multimillion-dollar recruitment efforts by institutions such as the University of Toronto and Canada’s largest hospital network. It also comes as other jurisdictions compete for talent: earlier this year, the European Union announced a €500 million (about US$582 million) incentives package to attract U.S.-based researchers.

Areas of Concern

Observers note that funding cuts in the U.S. have impacted a broad range of research areas, with climate science and studies related to diversity, equity and inclusion among those particularly affected. Canadian officials say the new program seeks to provide continuity for researchers whose work has been disrupted and to enrich Canada’s research capacity.

Ottawa has emphasized both the program’s global scope and its goal of encouraging Canadian researchers abroad to return home. "For a long time in Canada, we've talked about brain drain," Joly said, expressing hope the initiative will help "bring our people back home."