The federal government has classified more than 100 research institutes, primarily Chinese, but also Iranian and Russian, as "posing a risk to Canada's national security." As a result, no research funding for sensitive technologies will be granted if affiliated with any of these institutes.

This measure, which will take effect next spring, was announced in Ottawa by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Health Mark Holland, and Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc.

Among the more than 100 foreign research institutes under the federal government's scrutiny, there are 96 centers in China, 18 in Iran, and 7 in Russia.

These are organizations affiliated with military organizations, national defense, or security organizations of foreign countries that pose risks to Canada's national security, according to the ministers in a joint press release.

"Grant applications and research funding [...] relating to work on the development of research in sensitive technologies will be refused if any researcher involved in the funded activities is affiliated with a university or research institution that has links to the military, national defense, or security organizations belonging to foreign countries that pose risks to national security, or receives money or any non-financial support from such institutions," the text also specified.

Sensitive areas

Among the eleven research fields of strategic importance are artificial intelligence and big data technology, quantum sciences, aerospace systems, and satellites.

Ottawa is concerned that foreign adversaries are intent on obtaining sensitive Canadian research and intellectual property through partnerships on projects with academics in Canada.

Last month, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) issued a warning about China's efforts in Canada to recruit talent and transfer technology [which] could lead to the diversion of Canadian government resources and loss of proprietary and sensitive information.

These policies and plans aim to exploit the collaborative, transparent, and open nature of the Canadian research and innovation sector to serve the economic, security, and military interests of the People's Republic of China, CSIS warned in a memo sent to all federal government departments.

Also, during a press conference, government officials said they had no further details on the extent of the risks faced by the country’s scientific community. Therefore, they did not specify the number of Canadian research institutions currently collaborating with Chinese, Russian, and Iranian institutions, posing a national security risk.

Towards a foreign agents registry

The new policy applies only to grant applications submitted to federal granting councils: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

However, according to an official who spoke to journalists, this new policy also aims to raise awareness among researchers and provincial governments to avoid any collaboration with risky foreign research institutes.

Officials said the list of institutes compiled by the government will be updated if new threats emerge.

This announcement also comes as Ottawa is conducting consultations to establish a registry aimed at preventing foreign interference. Under this registry, individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state to achieve its objectives must disclose their ties to the government employing them to advance its interests.

The idea is to make these activities more transparent, with the risk of fines or even imprisonment in case of non-compliance.