Insight

The Council of Canadian Academies At the interface between science and policy

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Insight

Council of Canadian Academies

Council of Canadian Academies

Insight

About the Council of Canadian Academies

The Council of Canadian Academies offers the insight and evidence required to enrich policy development and advance Canadas standing in the world.

Providing Value
From climate change to infectious diseases to business innovation, Council assessments are informing and driving important conversations across the country. Council reports meet the highest standards of intellectual rigour, as they are based on clear evidence and expert insights. Additionally, they must go through a thorough report review process (peer review). The final result is an authoritative and credible document that can be referenced by those within and beyond Canadian borders. national prosperity and highlighted Canadas lagging performance in business sector innovation, privatesector investment in research and development, and the commercialization of research a notable theme found in the Government of Canadas Speech from the Throne and Budget 2010. ... we owe a lot of gratitude to the Council of Canadian Academies whose report [on Business Innovation] should be required reading for anyone who wants Canada to make smart choices and enhance its prosperity. (Paul Wells, Senior Columnist) Energy from Gas Hydrates: Assessing the Opportunities and Challenges for Canada was heavily referenced in a U.S. National Research Council study of methane hydrate as a future energy resource. Natural Resources Canada is also using the report as the cornerstone of a Canadian Hydrates Strategy. Vision for the Canadian Arctic Research Initiative: Assessing the Opportunities assessed the Government of Canadas vision for Arctic research. An international expert panel held an intensive two-day session in Helsinki, Finland which led to the Councils first reference report. The panel agreed with the need to construct a world-class Arctic research station, which is now underway. They also suggested that observation, monitoring and technology should be priority themes for arctic research.

Without the incredible volunteer support and commitment of Canadas expert communities, we would be unable to deliver high quality, credible reports.
(Council President, Elizabeth Dowdeswell)

Our Work
The Council contributes to shaping public policy by undertaking in-depth, independent, evidence-based expert assessments. This is achieved by harnessing the collective wisdom of the finest minds from across the country and abroad to inform the complex issues that underlie public policy in Canada. Multidisciplinary, volunteer panels are appointed to respond to the questions referred to the Council. Expert panels provide insight on: emerging issues; gaps in knowledge; Canadian strengths; and international trends and practices. Report findings assist decision makers in developing policies that will affect the lives of Canadians now and into the future. Assessments can be undertaken in any area where science underpins the question and its response.

Our Origins
The Council commenced operations in 2006, operates at arms length from government, and has a multi-year funding agreement with the Government of Canada. The Councils founding Member Academies are: the RSC: The Academies of Arts, Humanities and Sciences of Canada; the Canadian Academy of Engineering; and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. Together, these Academies constitute a significant source of intellectual capital in Canada intellectual capital that, through the Council, is invested in the future of our nation.

In 2010, an External Evaluation Panel agreed, without hesitation, that the Councils assessments are already making an impact and will continue to do so over the next decade. The State of Science and Technology in Canada identified four areas of Canadian research strength the same four areas that became the focus of the Government of Canadas Science and Technology Strategy. Innovation and Business Strategy: Why Canada Falls Short described the link between innovation and

Council of Canadian Academies

Insight

It still amazes me that such a comprehensive report was put together in such a short period of timeThere clearly is a resource here that could be tapped for other projects. (Canadian Business Leader)

The Council of Canadian Academies: Here to help

Grappling with a complex issue? Need to understand the evidence? Consider referring a question to the Council of Canadian Academies.

How much time is required to generate an assessment?

Timelines can fluctuate depending on the complexity of the question and the needs of the client. A shorter reference report can be produced within a year, or a full assessment can be developed in approximately 18 months.

The Council will work with federal departments and agencies, provincial governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. Clients will receive authoritative, evidence-based assessments, which can be used to determine the best course of action to take.

How can your organization work with the Council?

1) Federal departments and agencies can propose a question for assessment through the Councils funding agreement with the Government of Canada. 2) Any public or private organization can contact the Council directly to discuss their needs and how the Council can support them.

Council reports and panels are high-quality... We received more than we hoped for. (Industry Canada)

Were huge fans of the Council its really working for us!
(Natural Resources Canada)

CCA beats every bush leaving no stone unturned when compiling information for their studies and reports.
(Member of the national media)

To learn more about the Councils assessment process and expert panels, or to read about previous and ongoing assessments, email info@scienceadvice.ca or visit www.scienceadvice.ca. Tel.: 613-567-5000 Fax: 613-567-5060 180 Elgin Street, Suite 1401, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2K3

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