Since CASCA2005, Coalition activities have concentrated on several areas:
· continued communication with both politicians and ministry personnel in Ottawa
· examination of the current science funding scene in Canada as related to the LRP
· improved communication with CASCA members and the broader public
· funding the Coalition
Each of these is an ongoing effort.
The Political Front:
In May we were invited to appear before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Natural Resources, Science and Technology. Representing the Coalition were Gretchen Harris, Michael Jolliffe, Gilles Joncas and Rene Racine. We were among three presenters at this session and this meant the focus of attention for the MPs present was divided. However, there were good questions and real interest among some of the members. In the late summer the Coalition made a submission to the House Standing Committee on Finance detailing the current LRP funding issues, and we were pleased to have just received an invitation to appear before them in late October.
I continue to be pleasantly surprised at the visibility the Coalition is receiving, but it is important to recognize that we need to continue to maintain the presence we have established in Ottawa. Although it is not clear when the next budget or the next election will be, the Coalition has agreed that we will work to maintain strong visibility in the political realm. From time to time this will involve the broader CASCA membership and we will be in touch.
Funding the LRP:
We all know that our successes in increasing funding for astronomy have not been easy to come by, even for a community with a strong and coherent Long Range Plan and excellence recognized world-wide. In the past year the Coalition Co-Chairs have undertaken discussions with the major Canadian agencies which have supported and continue to support Canadian astronomy. In July we continued this dialogue in a meeting with representatives from CFI, CSA, NRC, and NSERC with the goal of examining funding issues in the existing Canadian science funding structure. This work is continuing and we hope to have a report from the Working Group by the time of CASCA2006.
Communication:
While the Coalition reports regularly to CASCA through articles like this and presentations at CASCA meetings, we believe this is insufficient. We are working to improve what is available through the CASCA website – for you and members of the broader public. We also intend to provide materials which will make it easier for you to meet with your local politicians, much as was done after the release of the LRP report in 2000. This is a work in progress.
Funding:
It is clear that many of the successes we have had in the past five years are directly a result of the work of the Coalition. But this work comes at a price and in active years this price can be as high as $100,000 or more. The Coalition is supported financially by CASCA, ACURA, and Industry and payments are managed through an account maintained by CASCA. In conjunction with CASCA Board, the Coalition is working to develop a secure and reliable funding base.
We will continue to keep you informed.
Gretchen Harris
Co-Chair
Coalition for Canadian Astronomy