Minister of Industry Responsible for SSHRC

Summary#

This Order (registered as SI/2019-121) names the Minister of Industry as the minister responsible for the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Act and as the “appropriate Minister” for the Financial Administration Act with respect to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. It also repeals the earlier order from July 18, 2018. The Order was made on November 20, 2019 and published in the Canada Gazette on December 11, 2019.

What it does#

• Repeals the previous designation (Order in Council P.C. 2018-1012 / SI/2018-68) of responsibility for the Council.
• Designates the Minister of Industry as the minister for the purposes of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Act.
• Designates the Minister of Industry as the “appropriate Minister” for the Financial Administration Act insofar as it applies to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

Who's affected#

• The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council itself — its formal ministerial oversight is moved to the Minister of Industry.
• Researchers, universities, colleges and other organizations that receive SSHRC funding are the groups most likely to notice changes in who government officials speak to about the council.
• Other federal departments or officials who coordinate with SSHRC on policy or finance may also deal with a different ministerial office now.
• If it’s unclear exactly how day-to-day interactions will change, the Order itself does not explain operational details.

Why it matters#

• This is an administrative change that tells you which Cabinet minister is formally responsible for SSHRC and for financial oversight matters related to SSHRC.
• It does not itself change SSHRC’s mandate or grant programs. But it can affect who answers questions in Parliament, who signs off on certain approvals, and where accountability for SSHRC sits inside government.