According to Michael Wolfson, a longstanding issue with funding for scientific research in Canada has been selecting large scientific projects, such as telescopes and particle accelerators, which are expensive and require long-term funding.
Unfortunately, health and social data have largely been left out of the picture for big science research funding in Canada.
Health and social data are essential infrastructure – and big science
The importance of data as critical infrastructure is reinforced by the common phrase "data is the new oil" and the explosion of artificial intelligence (AI).
Author's summary: Canada underfunds health and social data research.