On Nov. 5, the Government of Canada tabled Budget 2026, which highlights the essential role of post-secondary institutions in Canada’s economy. The budget includes new support to help move research from the lab to the market, investments in sectors where University of Alberta researchers are already making a difference nationally and globally, and changes that affect our students.
A focus on commercialization and technology transfer
Budget 2026 places a heavy focus on helping bring Canadian research to market by expanding support for commercialization and technology transfer. Highlights include:
- Broadening the Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax incentive to cover the costs of commercialization
- Modernizing policies across NSERC, SSHRC and CIHR to improve commercialization for publicly funded research and strengthen technology transfer capacity at post-secondary institutions
- Addressing market gaps and catalyzing investment in innovations across key sectors like AI, agri-food, bio-manufacturing and clean technologies ($1 billion over six years, starting in 2028-29)
Strong alignment with U of A research areas
We look forward to working with the Government of Canada to enable its investments across sectors where U of A researchers continue to lead, including:
- The expansion of Canada’s electricity system and support for carbon-neutral energy technologies ($50 billion) plus research and development to support charging infrastructure ($45 million over five years, starting in 2027-28)
- The advancement of Canada’s nuclear system includes funding to Atomic Energy of Canada Limited for research infrastructure, research and development, and strategic capabilities ($127 million over five years, starting in 2027-28, with $1 million ongoing)
- Help for the forestry sector, including research and development ($2 billion over six years, starting in 2027-28)
- Support for the Strategic Response Fund to expand industrial capacity for modern construction methods ($300 million over three years, starting in 2028-29, with $200 million in future years)
- Funding for women’s health research through the National Women’s Health Research Initiative ($14.9 million over four years, starting in 2027-28, with $5 million in future years)
- Extended support for defence-focused initiatives such as BOREALIS, a federal research and innovation bureau, and the advancement of technologies for uncrewed vehicles, air and space systems
Student experience and international student levels
Budget 2026 offers important updates for our student community, including access to trusted AI agents for all students, hands-on learning opportunities in climate-related and emergency management fields, and financial support for post-secondary students who embody Terry Fox's humanitarian ideals. The budget also strengthens access for First Nations students through the Post-Secondary Student Support Program ($437.9 million over five years, starting in 2027-28).
Following the budget, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada released the 2027-2029 Levels Plan, which indicates International Student targets have stabilized at 150,000 annual student arrivals until 2029.
Budget 2026 creates real opportunities for the U of A, and we will pursue them with our partners in industry, government and the community.
Bill Flanagan
President and vice-chancellor