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Fisheries and Oceans Canada is on a recruitment blitz to hire 135 research scientists, biologists, oceanographers and technicians in its largest single recruitment toward restoring ocean science. New job postings will be available online on Jobs.gc.ca in the coming days.
"This is a smart and meaningful investment, which will allow us to make better, science-based decisions to sustain our fisheries and protect our aquatic environment," Fisheries minister Hunter Tootoo said in a news release.
The 2016 budget allocates $197 million toward the hiring of new personnel in Fisheries and Oceans Canada. It marks a sharp contrast in policy from the previous Harper administration, which cut 2,000 science jobs over five years and closed research centers. The previous government was criticized for shutting down 11 DFO (Department of Fisheries and Oceans) libraries and muzzling prominent scientists such as Kristi Miller-Saunders about her work on salmon genetics.
The Fisheries department also announced it would acquire new technologies to collect data and share information more efficiently. These technologies include acoustic and remote sensing technologies and high performance lab equipment to better monitor our fish stocks and changing ocean conditions.
A portion of the funds will also be used to establish partnerships and collaborations with universities, environmental organizations, Indigenous groups and other stakeholders.
"Today's announcement renews our commitment to protect the sustainability of our water resources by investing in the research and monitoring critical to keeping our waters safe," Catherine McKenna said in a news release.
"Through cutting-edge research, Canada's scientists will continue to gain a better understanding of the health of our oceans and waterways."
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