Advocacy Group Calls for Long-Term Research Strategy and New Measures to Combat Online Disinformation
OTTAWA — Evidence for Democracy (E4D) is calling on the federal government to make significant new investments in Canada’s science and research ecosystem while strengthening democratic institutions, arguing that sustained support is essential to the country’s economic resilience and public trust.
In its latest pre-budget submission to Ottawa, the non-partisan advocacy organization outlined six recommendations aimed at reinforcing Canada’s research capacity, improving policy development, and protecting Canadians from online disinformation and foreign interference.
The submission comes as the federal government faces increasing pressure from academic institutions, researchers, and policy experts to provide more predictable long-term funding for science and innovation programs amid growing global competition.
“Canada faces urgent challenges that require the talent, innovation, and expertise of Canada’s research community. While critical to addressing these critical issues, Canada’s best and brightest cannot thrive on short-term, periodic government commitments,” says Félix Proulx-Giraldeau, Interim Executive Director. “This is the moment for Canada to take a global leadership role – through sustained, strategic investment in science and research that will not only strengthen our economy, but safeguard the evidence-based foundation that underpins sound government policymaking.”
Five-Year National Strategy Proposed
E4D Seeks Predictable Growth in Research Funding
At the centre of E4D’s recommendations is a proposed five-year National Science, Research, and Innovation Strategy designed to provide consistent and coordinated investment across Canada’s scientific and innovation sectors.
The organization said the strategy should establish a long-term vision for research funding and align federal priorities across granting councils, universities, and research institutions. Among its recommendations, E4D is urging the government to increase granting council budgets by at least 10 per cent annually.
The group is also calling for full funding of indirect research costs through the federal Research Support Fund, which helps institutions cover operational expenses tied to federally funded research projects. In addition, E4D wants Ottawa to restore intramural federal science funding to 2010–2011 levels, arguing that government-based scientific research capacity has declined over the past decade.
The recommendations reflect growing concerns within Canada’s research community that inconsistent funding and rising operational costs are undermining the country’s ability to retain top talent and remain competitive internationally.
Focus on Democratic Resilience and Online Safety
Proposed Democracy Fund Would Support Public Institutions
Beyond science funding, the organization’s submission places significant emphasis on democratic resilience and the integrity of Canada’s information environment.
E4D is recommending that the federal government allocate $20 million annually over five years to establish a non-partisan Canadian Democracy Fund. According to the organization, the fund would support initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and countering threats posed by misinformation, disinformation, and foreign interference.
The submission also calls on Ottawa to amend and reintroduce the proposed Online Harms Act. E4D is advocating for measures that would establish an enforcement body to oversee digital platforms, require European Union-style labelling of AI-generated or AI-manipulated content, and mandate the removal of criminal disinformation from online services.
The recommendations come amid heightened scrutiny of the role social media platforms and artificial intelligence technologies play in shaping public discourse and influencing democratic processes.
“At a time where trust in public institutions is being actively undermined by foreign hostile actors and large online platforms, we cannot afford to treat science, research and democratic resilience as optional,” says Trevor Potts, Director of Policy and Research. “Investing in evidence systems and protecting the integrity of our information environment are essential to ensuring that Canadians can rely on decisions grounded in facts, not falsehoods.”
Research and Evidence at the Core of Policy Debate
E4D said its proposals are intended to ensure that government decisions continue to be informed by scientific evidence and transparent policymaking processes.
The Ottawa-based organization has positioned itself as a leading advocate for evidence-informed public policy in Canada, particularly on issues involving scientific integrity, public access to government research, and institutional transparency.
About Evidence for Democracy
Evidence for Democracy is a Canadian non-partisan, not-for-profit organization focused on promoting the integration of scientific evidence into government decision-making. The group conducts research, provides skills training, and runs advocacy campaigns aimed at increasing public support for evidence-based policy development.
The organization said its latest recommendations are intended to help Canada respond more effectively to economic, technological, and geopolitical challenges while preserving public confidence in democratic institutions.