New and continuing initiatives

The British Columbia Budget put more financial muscle behind provincial science and technology with an array of funding initiatives highlighted by a record-setting endowment for climate change research, additional outlays for targeted medical research and a down payment on Genome British Columbia's future strategic plan. The balanced Budget allocates $262 million towards S&T initiatives out of total forecast government spending of $37.3 billion for FY07-08.

Overshadowing the S&T initiatives was the announcement of a provincial carbon tax that's projected to generate nearly $1.9 billion over three years. Designed as revenue neutral, the government says proceeds will be returned to people and companies through credits and reductions in the personal and small business income tax rates.

"It's great, a real path finding budget," says Dr Alan Winter, Genome BC's president and CEO. "There's an environmental side aimed at securing our future and there are key investments in other areas."

Genome BC is particularly pleased with the Budget's response to its proposed 2010-2015 strategic plan. Like its current strategic plan, the government is providing a projected one quarter of Genome BC's planned expenditures. Winter adds that the government's share could be less that 25% if revenues from other sources are greater than anticipated.

"It helps to have money in the bank when you‘re looking for more," says Winter, noting that the funding is booked for FY07-08. "The government has committed to our plan without knowing how much Genome Canada can contribute through future competitions."

Genome Canada has a substantial request before the federal government to help launch another major competition and support a new strategic plan. Is expecting a positive response in this week's federal Budget.

new climate change institute

The BC Budget also followed through with a previously announced decision to provide a $90-million endowment to the Univ of Victoria-based Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS). In addition to the endowment which will generate at least $4 million annually), the Budget also provides $4.5 million to cover start-up costs.

"This is the largest single contribution to a university endowment in Canadian history, public or private," says UVic president David Turpin. "This is not government driven. The university will generate its own research directions ... By providing an endowment, the Institute will be free from political interference. The government wants great advice."

PICS is intended to bring scientists, researchers, governments and the private sector together to pursue ways to slow down the impact of climate change and develop adaptation and mitigation measures. In addition to UVic, BC's three other research intensive universities will also participate — Univ of British Columbia, Simon Fraser Univ and the Univ of Northern British Columbia.

The budget for research and innovation within the Ministry of Advanced Education received a 2.8% increase to $13.4 million. The funding is intended for the BC Innovation Council and the Premier's Technology Council. There were no details on how the additional funding will be used.

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