Dear colleagues<br><br>More than 1750 of you, Canada's researchers, have agreed to sign the open letter to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, in support of the "Don't leave Canada behind" campaign. The overwhelming and positive response to this initiative took us by surprise. Many of you called for a more sustained grass-root effort to constructively engage government, policy makers and post-secondary institutions. We have since included the leaders of the Bloc Quebecois and of the NDP in the discussion. We have also received a response from the leader of the Opposition. You can find all these documents, an up-to-date list of signatories, and any potential response from the Prime Minister and other officials on the blog<br>
<br><a href="http://dontleavecanadabehind.wordpress.com/">http://dontleavecanadabehind.wordpress.com/</a><br><br>This initiative was launched in response to the most recent decisions by the Canadian government in regard to research, development, and academic pursuits, in particular those formulated in its "stimulus budget". Billions of dollars were committed to post-secondary institutions, yet Canada's research community was left with a sinking feeling. Canada's media was vigorous in articulating some but not all the issues. The trigger was however the March 2 issue of the Globe and Mail where one could read: "Mr. Goodyear said he has met university presidents, deans of research, and researchers themselves and believes government critics are few. "You're going to see that one person who didn't get what they wanted," he said. But "eight out of 10 folks I talk to get it... They are very positive"."<br>
<br>It was therefore high time for the people at the heart of this country's research enterprise to be heard. We are therefore creating a forum for direct discussions between Canada's researchers, post-secondary institutions, granting councils, and government. This webpage/blog will serve as an open repository for such exchanges.<br>
<br>Let the debate begin and let it be constructive!<br><br>