Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada : The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council is defined as a departmental corporation under Schedule II of the Financial Administration Act, however, it maintains a reporting relationship to Parliament through departmental ministers responsible for aspects of the social, economic, and cultural portfolios. Created as an independent body in June 1977, it has reported to Parliament through the Minister of Secretary of State (1978-1992). In 1992, ministerial responsibility for the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council was transferred to the Minister of Communications (1992-93), Minister of Science (June 1993), and finally, to the Minister of Industry (1994).
In 1976, the Social Science Research Council of Canada submitted a report to the Senate Special Committee recommending the establishment of a granting council for social sciences and humanities fields. The report suggested that academic research within these fields had long been neglected by the Government of Canada.
In June 1977, Part I of the Canadian Government Organization (Scientific Activities) Act, 1976, also known as the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Act (SC 1976-77, c. 24, Part I, s. 4; RSC 1985, c. S-12), provided a legal basis to establish the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. In April 1978, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council began operations after assuming responsibility for the humanities and social sciences programs formerly administered by the Canada Council.
The Council is mandated to promote and assist scholarly research in the fields of social sciences and the humanities. The Act also authorizes the Council to advise the Minister on matters relating to research activities. The functions of the Social Sciences and Human Research Council include the funding support of Canadian research, training and knowledge initiatives. In pursuit of its goals, the Council administers several types of funding programs aimed at promoting a better understanding of social science and humanities issues. It administers funding programs for scholarships, fellowships, research grants, and funding of conference participation for the purposes of exchanging information at an international level.
The fellowship award programs serve to support the training of Canadian research talent in the humanities and social sciences and, to ensure a base of highly qualified researchers to meet Canada's defined needs. To this end, the council has established award programs for individual students for high academic achievement, scholarships for graduate studies, and, fellowships for students at the doctoral and post-doctoral levels. The research grant program provides funding assistance for advanced scholarly research. The international relations program provides support to the Canadian research community to ensure participation within the international context, and to disseminate information concerning Canadian research. The Strategic Grants program assists in the advancement of knowledge through the support of strategic research themes of national importance. The Strategic Grants program is used to support the development of public policy and to improve the national research capacity in Canada.
Under the terms of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Act (1976-77), the Council is authorized to make decisions concerning funding allocation to specific individuals, bodies and organizations. In 1985 (R.S., 1985, c. S-12), the Council had initiated several administrative changes, including the refinement of the policies and procedures for the Research Grants Program. These changes aimed to increase flexibility for the applicants, grantees, staff and adjudication committees. Among the changes were: the introduction of a single annual competition, funding flexibility for interdisciplinary projects, a focus on high quality independent research and increased accountability through evaluation and follow-up.
The Council is governed by 22 members, including the President. The Council members serve a term of no more than three years, many of which have links to the academic community or other social science sectors. The Council's presidents are appointed on a five-year mandate. Past presidents include Mr. André Fortier (1977-1982), who oversaw the Council's establishment; Dr. William E. Taylor (1982-1987); Dr. John Leyle was appointed on a interim basis (1988); Paule Leduc (1988-1994); and Lynn Penrod (1994-1999).
In February 1992, the Government of Canada announced a proposal to merge the Canada Council, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research council and the internal cultural and academic programs of External Affairs and International Trade Canada. However, the legislation (Bill C-93) was defeated in the Senate. Consequently, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council remains as a corporate body addressing the social, economic and cultural aspects of Canadian society by supporting research into the social sciences and humanities. Its role as a granting institution remains closely linked with other federal scientific agencies such as the Medical Research Council and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council. It also continues its involvement in the promotion, dissemination and facilitation of knowledge among researchers, research partners, policy makers and other stakeholders.
