Manitoba researchers decry funding cuts after premier's invitation to U.S. scientists

A call from Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew for scientists in the U.S. to consider moving here has researchers in this province demanding more funding to give those who relocate a reason to stay.

In an open letter to the provincial government, dozens of scientists, researchers and academics questioned how it expects to attract new talent, given cuts to the agency responsible for providing the bulk of research funding in Manitoba.

"Manitoba currently ranks last in Canada for provincial per capita research funding — a stark reality that contradicts the government's recent enthusiasm for attracting international researchers," states the letter, which by Monday evening had received nearly 250 signatures.

The letter was spurred by comments Kinew made during a scrum with reporters at the Legislative Building on March 28. He said the province is planning to engage in outreach to U.S. scientists, many of whom have faced funding cuts and restrictions on their academic freedom under the administration of President Donald Trump.

"And what I would say is, come to Manitoba," Kinew said.

Those comments drew mixed reactions from Manitobans like Robert Beattie, an assistant professor in the department of biochemistry and medical genetics at the University of Manitoba, and the lead author of the letter. 

He says cuts to Research Manitoba — which funds studies on health, natural and social sciences, engineering and the humanities — began under the previous Progressive Conservative government, but recent budgets have done little to reverse the trend.

When adjusted for inflation, total program expenditures for the agency fell by nearly 51 per cent, from more than $26 million in 2016 to $12.7 million in 2023, said Beattie.

The 2025 budget includes a $100,000 increase to Research Manitoba.

Beattie says he and others in the province would welcome new research talent from south of the border, but he worries a lack of available funding will limit how much Manitoba can take advantage of the opportunities.

"It's hard to foresee how we can welcome new researchers into the province when we are already struggling to keep the current ones here," he said in an interview.

Dylan MacKay, another signatory to the letter, has faced the consequences of the province's funding cuts.

"I started my independent career in 2018…. And just as I was coming into the time where I could be applying for that [funding], the pool of money that I could apply for dropped by more than 50 per cent," said MacKay, who researches nutrition and chronic diseases at the U of M.

MacKay has worked on recruiting committees, and has had difficulty filling positions as candidates take opportunities in other provinces.

"Research is like a seed, right? You need good soil and care and the right environment to get that maximum potential. And that hasn't been the case in the last 10 years…. The soil has dried up."

Minister plans to meet with researchers

Advanced Education Minister Renée Cable told CBC News she plans to meet with the researchers on Tuesday morning. She said increasing research funding is a priority for the provincial government.

"I know the goals in the last two years was to stop the bleeding as we've seen sort of across government, the previous administration cut and cut and cut some more," Cable said.

"[Current funding] may not feel like enough. We're pleased that we've stopped the cuts now and we're moving in the right direction."

In the letter, Beattie writes that funding research is a sound investment for governments, yielding at least $4 for every $1 invested.