Canada Invests $1.7 Billion to Strengthen Research Talent and Attract 1,000 Global Innovators

Canada has announced a historic $1.7 billion investment designed to attract more than 1,000 world-leading international researchers through the new Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative. Introduced in Montréal by Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly and Minister of Health Marjorie Michel, this 12-year program is intended to secure Canada’s leadership in global research, innovation and scientific collaboration.

Four Streams Supporting Research Excellence

The initiative consists of four major program streams that together form one of the most comprehensive research recruitment models worldwide:

1. Canada Impact+ Research Chairs – $1 Billion

This flagship stream provides long-term awards of $8 million or $4 million over eight years to help Canadian institutions recruit globally renowned researchers. Chairs will drive transformative research across priority fields, including advanced digital technologies, AI, biotechnology, clean tech, climate resilience, advanced materials, and defense-related innovation.

Unlike traditional programs, this stream supports both salaries and infrastructure needs.

2. Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders – $120 Million

This stream targets early-career researchers by offering $100,000 annually for up to six years, with the possibility of extending funding for another six years. By bringing in fresh global talent, Canada aims to diversify its research landscape and strengthen innovation pipelines nationwide.

3. Research Infrastructure Fund – $400 Million

To support state-of-the-art research environments, this fund covers laboratory upgrades, capital equipment, and maintenance costs, ensuring recruited researchers have the world-class facilities required to conduct cutting-edge work.

4. Research Training Awards – $133.6 Million

This final stream will fund up to 600 doctoral scholarships and 400 postdoctoral fellowships, enabling top global scholars to relocate to Canada. Doctoral scholars will receive $40,000 annually, while postdoctoral researchers will receive $70,000 annually.

Addressing Canada’s Talent and Innovation Needs

Government leaders emphasized that the global race for research excellence is intensifying. As some countries restrict academic freedoms or reduce research investment, Canada is choosing to expand support for science and innovation.

Minister Joly described the initiative as crucial for building “a scientific and academic powerhouse that drives the strongest economy in the G7.” Similarly, Minister Michel highlighted the program’s importance for improving health care outcomes, while Minister Hajdu stressed its role in strengthening Canada’s long-term economic resilience.

Supporting Immigration and Global Talent Mobility

This investment aligns with key objectives in the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, which prioritizes attracting highly skilled global talent. Combined with recent targeted immigration pathways such as new measures for international doctors, Canada is positioning itself as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for elite researchers.2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan. This investment aligns with key objectives in the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, which prioritizes attracting highly skilled global talent. Combined with recent targeted immigration pathways such as new measures for international doctors, Canada is positioning itself as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for elite researchers.

A National Commitment to Innovation and Future Prosperity

By investing in world-leading talent, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and next-generation training, Canada is reinforcing its role as a global leader in science and innovation. The Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative is not only a research program, it’s a long-term strategic plan to strengthen Canada’s economy, competitiveness, and scientific impact for decades to come. Follow Canada Immigration News for program updates, application timelines, and advice on positioning institutional proposals, subscribe for alerts and analysis.