Canada has one of the strongest research ecosystems in the world. But to drive growth and help innovations reach the market, we need research to be more accessible for Canadians.
Today, the Government of Canada announced that peer-reviewed articles resulting from research funded by Canada's three federal funding agencies must be freely available, without subscription or fee, at the time of publication.
Through the revised Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications, the agencies remain aligned with other research funders in Canada and globally, supporting a transparent research ecosystem and the mobilization of knowledge for the benefit of all. Sharing the results of research accelerates cross-sectoral progress and the ability to solve the complex challenges of our time.
Quotes
"Canada is world-renowned for its researchers and groundbreaking discoveries. By expanding access to research publications, we are ensuring Canadians have access to the latest knowledge and discoveries that will strengthen our health sector, drive innovation and build a more resilient and healthier Canada."
"Research is the cornerstone of innovation and a stronger health care system. Open access to research publications allows us to mobilize knowledge and new discoveries across sectors, helping ensure that solutions to today's health challenges are informed by the latest science and contribute to a stronger, healthier future."
"Knowledge grows through sharing. Open access to research publications in the natural sciences and engineering leads to greater collaboration across sectors and faster solutions to global issues, ensuring that the outputs of publicly funded research benefit us all."
"Knowledge about people, cultures and societies is most powerful when it is shared. Open access ensures that the insights generated through publicly funded social sciences and humanities research can inspire new ideas, inform decisions and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient society."
"In science and health, information is a lifeline. By making the results of publicly funded health research immediately available to all, discoveries can instantly inform patient care, accelerate innovation, and benefit every Canadian without delay."
Quick facts
- The revised Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications (2026) applies to all peer-reviewed research articles resulting from work supported, in whole or in part, by any of the three federal research funding agencies' grants and Chair awards, including those administered by the Tri-Agency Institutional Programs Secretariat (TIPS).
- The revised Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications (2026) will come into effect on January 1, 2027 and apply to grants and chairs awarded on or after this date. The original version of the Policy, published in 2015, will remain in effect on all agency grants awarded prior to that date.
- The revised Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications (2026) was informed by extensive consultations led by CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC, with a wide range of partners across the research ecosystem.
- By retaining the rights over their work, researchers can protect their right to control how their peer-reviewed research articles are shared, distributed, and reused.
More information
- Open Access
- Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications (2026)
- Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions
- Tri-Agency Statement: Strengthening Open Access to Canadian Research Publications
Contacts
Gabrielle Landry
Deputy Director, Media Relations
Office of the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
gabrielle.landry@ised-isde.gc.ca
Alexandre Bergeron
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marjorie Michel
Minister of Health
alexandre.bergeron@hc-sc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
media@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
media@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
medias@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca