Manitoba may court U.S. scientists struggling with funding cuts, loss of academic freedom

Premier Wab Kinew says Manitoba is considering ways to roll out the welcome mat to U.S. academics who find themselves unable to conduct research due to funding cuts and a political climate hostile to science south of the border.

"I think this is something that's definitely on our radar," Kinew said Friday in his office during a scrum with reporters.

"There's bright people in the States who are being put out of work or who cannot do the randomized controlled trials that they need to publish serious papers because of the changes that are happening under the Trump administration.

"And what I would say is come to Manitoba."

Kinew, who has previously said Manitoba welcomes medical professionals from the United States, said the province is planning to engage in outreach to U.S. scientists and researchers who find their academic freedom restricted by new U.S. restrictions.

The Trump administration has curtailed research into climate change and a broad range of subjects affected by restrictions on anything remotely related to "diversity, equity and inclusion," among other areas.

"You are going to have the academic freedom to be able to research in the areas that you see fit and of course we're putting the resources into mobilizing that knowledge to build our economy," Kinew said.

 "So if there's a scenario right now where the executive orders on gender are preventing people from doing pharmaceutical trials, trying new drugs basically on, let's say, heart medication for women, Manitoba is ready to accept those academics to come and do that research here."

Kinew said the province may set aside funds to lure leading U.S. scientific minds to Manitoba.

Ken Zaifman, a Winnipeg immigration lawyer, said it may require funds and a co-ordinated federal and provincial effort to lure leading U.S. scientists across the border, mainly because their earning potential is lower on this side of the 49th parallel.

Zaifman said he has fielded several inquiries from U.S. academics but noted few are making serious efforts to move north.

"The economic reality of Canada somewhat tempers their enthusiasm for moving," Zaifman said.

The University of Manitoba said in a statement it's always looking for more talent.

Province to hold 'rally for Canada'

Kinew and his fellow premiers and territorial leaders had a call with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday about a joint response to Chinese and American tariffs on Canadian goods. The premier said they spoke about the need to better develop European and Asian trade networks and provide support for the agricultural sector in Canada.

The premier also announced the province will hold what he called a "rally for Canada" at the legislative building on Sunday, April 6. This, he said, will be a family-friendly event "to send a strong message that we will never be the 51st state."

Premier Wab Kinew says Manitoba may court U.S. scientists

3 days ago

Duration 2:10

Manitoba premier Wab Kinew says he'd like to try and recruit U.S. scientists who are thinking about moving north because of job losses or a loss of academic freedom. But one immigration lawyer says it may not be that easy.