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Federal government spending on science and technology

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2010/2011 (intentions) (Previous release)

The federal government's spending on science and technology (S&T) is expected to reach $11.7 billion in the fiscal year 2010/2011.

S&T spending is composed of expenditures on research and development and related scientific activities.

Canada's federal government intends to spend $7.4 billion on research and development in 2010/2011. Related scientific activities, which include the gathering, processing and analyzing of data, information services, museum services, feasibility and policy studies, and education support, will receive $4.3 billion.

Of the total S&T expenditures of $11.7 billion, $5.9 billion is anticipated to be spent within the federal departments and agencies and $5.8 billion will be directed to other sectors, such as higher education, the business sector, private non-profit organizations and foreign and other entities, to support their S&T activities.

S&T expenditures are available for two science types. About three-quarters of all federal government S&T spending is expected to be allocated to natural sciences and engineering and one-quarter to social sciences and humanities in 2010/2011.

Note: New CANSIM tables are now available: tables 358-0142 to 358-0151: federal science expenditures and personnel, by activities, type of science and performing sectors.

Available on CANSIM: tables 358-0142 to 358-0151.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 4212.

The publication Federal Scientific Activities, 2010/2011 (88-204-X, free), is now available from the Key resource module of our website under Publications.

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Horatio Sam-Aggrey (613-951-9010; horatiogodfrey.sam-aggrey@statcan.gc.ca) or Louise Earl (613-951-2880, louise.earl@statcan.gc.ca), Business Special Surveys and Technology Statistics Division.