A Northern Science Policy for Canada

David HikDepartment of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta& Canadian International Polar Year Secretariat

Session Paper No. 4

Key issues:

The need to sustain and enhance our collective capacity to acquire, retain and use knowledge.

The need to more effectively bridge the “science-policy gap”.

The need to build capacity in the north to both inform and lead northern science and policy development.

The need for a Canadian northern science policy to ensure that investments in northern science, capacity building, and the associated societal benefits remain a priority.

Science: includes all disciplines (natural, social, health)

Policy: system of laws, regulatory measures, courses of action, and funding priorities concerning a given topic.

Arctic

Global Observing

Arctic and Global Value-added Services & Societal Benefits

Decision-Making

Policy-Making

ScientificResearch

& Education

Forecasting& Prediction

Data Products

ArcticObserving

OperationalObserving

(international and national)

ResearchObserving

Community-basedObserving;

Local & Traditional Knowledge

Pool of Collective Knowledge

Adapted from SAON report

ISSUE #1: The need to sustain and enhance our collective capacity to acquire, retain and use knowledge.

ISSUE #2: The need to more effectively bridge the “science-policy gap”.

Need to bring researchers and policy-makers together from the early and often.

Examples of Scientific Uncertainty

Bridging the Science-Policy Gap

ISSUE #3: The need to build capacity in the north to both inform and lead northern science and policy development.

Recommendations to governments and funders about what is needed to support and promote community-based research that responds to the needs and priorities of communities, northern governments, and to implement LCA’s, and other needs as necessary.

Greater support for education and training programs in the North.

agenda-setting, option-formulation, and implementation

ISSUE #4: The need for a Canadian northern science policy to ensure that investments in northern science, capacity building, and the associated societal benefits remain a priority.

Establish a focal point for northern science in Canada, perhaps along the lines of the proposed Canadian Arctic Research Institute - but must include participation from all partners, especially from the north.

Provide political identity and accountability for northern science and the implementation of a northern science policy.

KEY MESSAGES

Recognize Canada’s international obligation to arctic science.

Seek synergy between partners and among disciplines.

Expand the definition of cutting- edge science to include observation and long-term monitoring.

Assure sufficient long-term funding to support ongoing operations.

Start now by identifying and supporting key programs that respond to fast-changing environmental and economic circumstances and that can serve as a legacy of International Polar Year.

Council of Canadian Academies Report5 November 2008

1958 - “…it is impossible to lay down definite limitations to future development because present-day scientific knowledge of the possible resources of the area is so limited.”

1976 - “…it should not be surprising that there is no comprehensive analysis bringing together all major social, political, environmental, technological, and economic issues. No one has assumed the responsibility for developing such an overview.” p 22

1977 - “The settlement of native claims offers a uniquely Canadian challenge, certainly the greatest challenge we face in the North. It by this means alone that we can fairly pursue frontier goals in the northern homeland.” p 219

1978 - “The absence of such aims [planning] has not prevented the federal government from doing a great deal [in the North]; but nevertheless, it seems to have hindered the identification of the best things to do.” p 109

1997 - “A number of witnesses perceived the whole of Canadian Arctic policy research capability as being less than the sum of its individual parts.” p 31

Key issues:

The need to sustain and enhance our collective capacity to acquire, retain and use knowledge.

The need to more effectively bridge the “science-policy gap”.

The need to build capacity in the north to both inform and lead northern science and policy development.

The need for a Canadian northern science policy to ensure that investments in northern science, capacity building, and the associated societal benefits remain a priority.