Mandate

The Chief Science Advisor's key functions are as follows:

  • Provide advice on the development and implementation of guidelines to ensure that government science is fully available to the public and that federal scientists are able to speak freely about their work
  • Provide advice on creating and implementing processes to ensure that scientific analyses are considered when the Government makes decisions
  • Assess and recommend ways to improve the existing science advisory function within the federal government
  • Assess and recommend ways for the Government to better support quality scientific research within the federal system

Furthermore, the Chief Science Advisor will:

  • Deliver an annual report to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Science on the activities of the Office of the Chief Science Advisor and the state of federal government science, including the federal science workforce and federal scientific infrastructure
  • Provide and coordinate expert advice to the Minister of Science and members of Cabinet, as appropriate and requested, on key scientific issues, including the preparation of research and foresight papers for public dissemination
  • Promote a positive and productive dialogue between federal scientists and academia, both in Canada and abroad, and raise awareness of scientific issues relevant to the Canadian public