The Search Begins for Canada's Chief Science Advisor

The Canadian government has officially begun the hunt for a Chief Science Officer, a position that the Liberals promised to create once elected. The announcement was made this morning in Ottawa by the Science Minister, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan.

The new Chief Science Advisor will report both to the Science Minister and the Prime Minister and will advise the government as it makes science-based decisions.

The office of the Chief Science Advisor will be supported by a team of scientists and policy experts.

The Honourable Kirsty Duncan said of the search, “this search for a Chief Science Advisor is a historic moment. This position is critical because science affects everything from the health and well-being of Canadians to the economy and the environment. Science is also the foundation of sound decision making within government.”

Applications are currently being accepted in the Governor in Council website and the process is open to all Canadians. The application process will close on January, 27, 2017.

The website describes the position as follows;

“The Chief Science Advisor’s main function will be to advise the government on how to ensure that government science is fully available to the public, that scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and that scientific analyses are considered when the government makes decisions. The Chief Science Advisor will focus on how scientific information is disseminated and used by the federal government, and how evidence is incorporated into government-wide decision-making. This will include a particular emphasis on federal scientific research and activities. Looking to broader scientific issues, as an adviser and coordinator of advice, the Chief Science Advisor will aim to provide impartial scientific advice on key issues with science or research components of relevance to Canada.”

Announcement of the search for a Chief Science Advisor