January 2009

Right Honourable Stephen Harper

Prime Minister of Canada

Dear Mr. Harper:

I write on behalf of the Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution, representing more than 600 Canadian scientists, to share our alarm over proposed budget cuts to Canada's federal granting councils. Like other Canadians, we applaud your use of Government programs and funding to ease the current financial stresses on Canada's economy. But reduced funding to scientific research will erode Canada's ability to innovate, and thus delay economic recovery and improved welfare for Canadians.

Within NSERC, the Discovery Grant Program stands out above all others in its ability to advance knowledge. International review praised NSERC discovery grants for their efficiency in producing world-class research. Sadly, Canadian investment in discovery, in terms of fixed dollars, has declined consistently since 1999. Meanwhile, the cost of research increases annually. Both problems are especially acute in the fields of evolution and ecology, two of the key disciplines charged with responsibility to solve problems of climate change and the global loss of biodiversity.

I urge you to re-evaluate Canada's investment in science and NSERC discovery. I ask you to work with Canada's other Political Parties to find creative mechanisms that will provide the operating funds our scientists require to pursue knowledge. Failure to increase direct funding for science will jeopardize the gains made through improved infrastructure, the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, the Canada Research Chairs program, and your government's investment in post-graduate scholarships.

Sincerely yours,

Douglas Morris

President, Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution.

CSEE Council