As a result of their deliberations committees may make recommendations which they include in their reports for the consideration of the House of Commons or the Government. Recommendations related to this study are listed below.

Recommendation 1

That the Government of Canada make the process for international students applying for study permits more transparent, and that it reduce application processing delays.

Recommendation 2

That the Government of Canada improve access to work permits and strengthen and shorten pathways to permanent residency for foreign students who obtained postsecondary degrees in Canada.

Recommendation 3

That the Government of Canada review and increase its investments in fundamental research through increases to the budgets of the three granting councils: the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Recommendation 4

That the Government of Canada increase the number of scholarships and fellowships to graduate students and post-doctoral researchers, increase their value by 25% to reflect increases in cost of living since their last adjustment in 2003 and index the amount to the consumer price index.

Recommendation 5

That the Government of Canada consider other compensation mechanisms for students to attract and retain top talent, such as tuition cost coverage and increased employment opportunities for both international students on student visas and students receiving federal grants.

Recommendation 6

That the Government of Canada amend the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Act, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Act and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Act to include student representatives on the governing councils of these three institutions.

Recommendation 7

That the Government of Canada harmonize legislation applicable to post-doctoral fellows at the federal level in the areas of immigration, employment and taxation.

Recommendation 8

That the Government of Canada, in cooperation with the provinces and territories, consider ways to encourage post-secondary institutions to create more tenured positions.

Recommendation 9

That the Government of Canada develop a new research funding program specifically for early-career researchers administered by the granting councils.

Recommendation 10

That the Government of Canada continue, expand, and assess its efforts to break down barriers and advance equity, diversity and inclusion in the field of scientific research.

Recommendation 11

That the Government of Canada review the criteria for securing federal research funding, and remedy any disproportionality based on regionality.

Recommendation 12

That the granting councils review the research funding mechanisms to better fund applied research in colleges, CEGEPs and polytechnics in Canada.

Recommendation 13

That the federal government consider ways to encourage student training through experiential learning opportunities and work placements by providing appropriate funding programs.