The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
Statistics Canada and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) are working to position Canada as an innovation leader on the global stage by fostering a diverse, growing, competitive and sustainable economy that benefits all Canadians.
While our government's priority continues to be fighting COVID-19 and protecting Canadians' health and safety, we are committed to fostering conditions for investment, enhancing Canadian innovation, and driving growth in key sectors. Together, we will strengthen the Canadian economy and restore consumer confidence through strategic actions, including investing in training for workers, and supporting Canadian businesses as they adapt and grow in a knowledge-based economy.
Statistics Canada, as the country's national statistical office, will continue to support key government priorities by advancing efforts in the following areas; gender equality, diversity and inclusion, public health data management, energy, environment and sustainable development. The agency will work to build statistical capacity in Indigenous organizations, and meet the increasing need for data to help fuel our economy and labour market. And, thanks to the participation of thousands of Canadians, Statistics Canada will deliver the 2021 Census that provides a detailed and comprehensive statistical portrait of Canada that is vital to our country.
Statistics Canada's ambitious modernization agenda has positioned the agency to be responsive to the COVID-19 crisis. As we navigate a path to recovery, Statistics Canada will continue to deliver meaningful insights. More than ever, Canadians need timely, granular and integrated data to shed light on the impacts of the pandemic on Canadian society and our economy.
Finally, in tackling some of today's most pressing challenges, such as climate change, we will continue to invest in science and research. We will also ensure that federal research is fully available to the public; that researchers can freely share their work; and that evidence-based approaches are utilized when making decisions. In doing so, we will facilitate the kind of new discoveries made by Canada's leading researchers and academics.
Together with Canadians of all backgrounds, regions and generations, we are building a strong culture of innovation to position Canada as a leader in the global economy. For more information, it is our pleasure to present the 2021-22 Departmental Plan for Statistics Canada.