A Paulicyworks Milestone 2020: CCA Milestone - Part 2

Following the 9/11 hiatus, the National Science Organization working group established by science minister Normand releases a proposal for a Canadian Academy of Sciences. With the appointment of Arthur Carty as National Science Advisor to the Prime Minister, efforts are re-mobilized by the academies and other groups. The concept of a new organization sees the light of day announced by the PM on 6 October 2004 who states that: the new Canadian Academies will be a source of expert advice on scientific aspects of important domestic and international issues, and will give our country a prestigious voice among the choirs of international science groups.

A founding grant of $30M over 10 years is provided in the 2005 federal budget. In a 14 February 2006 interview for R$, the CAS inaugural President, Peter Nicholson, reminds that: The roots of this organization stretch far back in time. Canada is the last OECD country that doesn’t have something analogous. The expert assessments and the science that underlies important policy will be the primary function of the CAS.

The renamed Council of Canadian Academies is tasked in June 2006 by the Minister of industry to undertake a review of the state of science and technology – the first of its several assessments of the sciences and innovation in Canada.

15 years later, with over 50 reports and assisted by over 1500 expert volunteers, the CCA remains a vital part of Canada’s eco-system for science assessment and advice.

By Paul Dufour