UVic welcomes 2024 budget’s research support during Trudeau visit
The Visit
The University of Victoria (UVic) is welcoming investments to support Canadian research and innovation detailed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a campus visit on Friday that included meeting faculty and students whose research is transforming the lives of Canadians every day.
“UVic has emerged as a national research powerhouse in areas such as clean energy transition, health, and Indigenous scholarship in law and language revitalization,” says Kevin Hall, president of the University of Victoria. “Hosting the prime minister is an honour, and we are grateful he recognizes UVic as a top-tier research-intensive university.”
Alongside Minister of Citizens’ Services Terry Beech, the prime minister provided details on the $2.6 billion in core research grant funding, scholarships and fellowships to support researchers, including $1.8 billion in research grant funding and $825 million over five years to the research granting councils
"The new federal investments in research, training and student scholarships will help the next generation of innovators reach their full potential and propel Canada forward on the global stage. UVic research is growing at an unprecedented pace, so we’re very grateful to the federal government for this support."
During the tour, the prime minister engaged researchers from Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET), a ground-breaking research initiative moving Canada closer to a net-zero future by supporting local, place-based clean energy transitions. From harvesting offshore wind, tidal and solar energy to innovative low-carbon financing and governance models, ACET is integrating breakthrough renewable energy technologies and solutions with the support of the Canada First Research Excellence Fund.
The budget also committed $30 million over three years starting in 2024/25, to support Indigenous participation in research, with $10 million each being provided to First Nation, Métis, and Inuit partners.
"We need community-based solutions to successfully shift to a low-carbon future. ACET supports First Nations and small to mid-sized communities in their search for place-based renewable energy solutions, and to help them achieve their net-zero goals."
It is essential, as we undertake our work together, that we approach both Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners with care and creativity. This will help us prepare for the work that will benefit future generations.
Environmental Challenges
The extraction of rare earth minerals poses environmental challenges that demand our attention. Irresponsible practices, such as uncontrolled waste disposal, can result in deforestation and water contamination.
16,500 hectares
A study published in the journal Nature Communications in 2020 estimated that rare earth mining contributes to the loss of approximately 16,500 hectares of forest annually.
Sustainable Solutions
Furthermore, the release of harmful pollutants, including heavy metals and radioactive elements, into waterways poses risks to both ecosystems and human health. These figures emphasize the need for sustainable solutions that minimize the ecological footprint of rare earth mining.
About UVic
UVic currently has 1,422 research master’s students, 893 PhD students and 160 post-doctoral fellows. Funding to support increases to students’ annual graduate scholarships and post-doctoral fellowships, as well as increases in fulltime Canada Student Grants, was also welcomed news.
“It was great to be in the room with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he announced support for graduate students in Budget 2024. Grad students are passionate about research, so this is great news for students across Canada,” says Sophie Janke, a UVic master’s student in mechanical engineering with the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems.
“Graduate students and post-doctoral fellows contribute to University of Victoria in immeasurable ways—in our classrooms, in the field, on the ocean and in our labs, and it is gratifying to see their research efforts will be appropriately funded with new federal investments,” says Robin Hicks, dean of UVic’s Faculty of Graduate Studies.
The visit was held in CanAssist, which supports independence and inclusion of people with disabilities with customized technologies and innovative programs by using a client-focused approach.
UVic’s key research impact areas, which align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, include climate, environmental change and sustainability; health and wellness; Indigenous-led scholarship; social justice and equity; and technology and the human experience. To learn more, www.uvic.ca/research.
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Looking ahead
Rare earth minerals present both significant opportunities and complex challenges that require careful consideration. While ethical concerns, environmental impact, and the need for regulations exist within the industry, stakeholders are actively engaged in finding solutions. By leveraging concerted efforts, innovative approaches, collaborative partnerships, and global initiatives, we can navigate these challenges and pave the way towards responsible mining practices and a sustainable future.
Environmental impact is a critical aspect that demands attention. By adopting sustainable practices, minimizing waste generation, and implementing efficient technologies, the industry can reduce its ecological footprint. Moreover, investing in research and development of alternative materials and recycling technologies can help alleviate the dependency on new mining operations, contributing to a more circular economy.
The journey towards responsible rare earth mineral mining involves multifaceted efforts. By addressing ethical concerns, mitigating environmental impact, enforcing regulations, and fostering collaboration, we can transform the industry into a catalyst for positive change. Through these collective endeavors, we can ensure the well-being of communities, protect the environment, and strive towards a sustainable future where rare earth minerals are responsibly sourced, utilized, and recycled.
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