I usually try to avoid political commentary whenever I can, but I just can’t quite hold my tongue on this one. The 2009 federal budget is very disappointing in terms of Canada’s science and innovation outlook.

See the Globe and Mail article “Money for bricks, but not talent” in the January 27, 2009

On the surface the infrastructure investments look good, but scratch deeper and Harper is stealing from Peter to pay Paul. To be frank, I am glad that there is a plan and that we are moving forward (rather than delving into another election and postponing any real economic recovery), but I am frustrated that there is no muscle behind the federal S&T lip service. Of course, I shouldn’t be shocked based on the Conservative Party’s election platform.

The $87 million in cuts to the tri-council base budgets will have a significant impact on the research community over the next three years and will have a ripple effect over the next decade.

Brace yourself, the competition just got tougher.