The former Harper government eliminated the position nine years ago as the Conservatives had a rocky relationship with scientists, something Justin Trudeau promised to improve.
He’s followed through on the election promise and selected Ottawa heart researcher Mona Nemer to the post.
(Sean Kilpatrick / Canadian Press)
She will overlook a $2-million budget and report to the prime minister and Science Minister Kirsty Duncan, providing advice while helping protect federal scientists from being muzzled.
The CEO of the Canadian Science Policy Centre, Mehrdad Hariri, says a national scientific adviser is crucial to ensure science is on the agenda every time the government considers a policy.
”Is there any challenge in this country that is not science-related?”