Federal spending on science and technology

In 2002/03, the federal government spent nearly $8.0 billion on science and technology. Of this amount, $7.3 billion was distributed regionally. The remaining expenditures were either not identified by region or paid to foreign performers.

Of the $7.3 billion, 22% was allocated to Ontario and 17% to Quebec. This excludes funding for science and technology performed by the federal government in its own departments and agencies within the National Capital Region.

As part of its spending, the federal government awarded $697 million in research and development grants and contracts in the natural sciences to Canadian industry. About 43% of the total was allocated to industries in Ontario, and 34% to those in Quebec.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 4212.

The service bulletin Science Statistics: Distribution of Federal Expenditures on Science and Technology byProvince and Territories, 2002/03, Vol. 29, no. 1 (88-001-XIE, $7/$64) is now available. The working paper Provincial Distribution of Federal Expenditures and Personnel on Science and Technology, 1996/97 to 2002/03 (88F0006XIE2005002  free), which elaborates on material in the bulletin, is available on line. From Our products and services page, under Browse our Internet publications, choose Free, then Science and technology.

For more information, or to enquire about the methods, concepts or data quality of this release, contact Lloyd Lizotte, (613-951-2188; lloyd.lizotte@statscan.ca) or Gisèle Bellefeuille (613-951-7113; gisele.bellefeuille@statcan.gc.ca) Science, Innovation and Electronic Information Division.