July 9, 2025 – The Association of Nova Scotia University Teachers is concerned by recent efforts of the U.S. Republican administration to exert political control over academic research and academic freedom in Canada.
Canadian researchers whose work is supported by U.S. federal agencies have been asked to complete a questionnaire designed to ensure their research aligns with the Republican administration’s political priorities. The questions seek to eliminate work related to climate change, environmental justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and gender studies—while requiring assurances that research contributes to American geopolitical influence.
This is a clear attempt at foreign political interference in Canadian academic research. ANSUT firmly supports the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) in condemning this attack on academic freedom and research integrity.
Academic freedom is the right to explore, question, and critique knowledge and ideas without fear of retaliation or censorship. This freedom must encompass the full range of scholarly inquiry, including research on diversity, equity, inclusion, gender studies, sustainability, and other pressing social issues. As academic freedom faces growing political interreference – globally, in the US, and within Canada, ANSUT reaffirms its unwavering commitment to academic freedom and open exchange of ideas. We unequivocally condemn any actions that undermine these principles as they are foundational to our mission and vital to the advancement of global scholarship.
ANSUT echoes CAUT’s call for the Government of Canada to take urgent steps to safeguard our researchers and the public interest to ensure that Canadian academics are not punished for refusing to align their work with the political ideology of a foreign administration. Research must remain independent, evidence-based, and guided by public good—not political agendas.
ANSUT acknowledges the increasing number of American researchers who are now looking to Canada as a haven for academic freedom, and stands in solidarity with their pursuit of knowledge free from state censorship. However, it’s important to remember that Canadian universities and colleges are underfunded, stable academic positions are scarce, and contract work is widespread. While ANSUT is proud to uphold values of intellectual freedom, equity, and inclusion, we acknowledge that we are operating within a system stretched far too thin to absorb this moment without support.
We need immediate and substantial reinvestment in our post-secondary system. That includes funding for threatened research, infrastructure, and secure academic jobs.
ANSUT calls on the federal government to defend Canada’s research community against foreign interference and to take bold action to strengthen our capacity to support academic freedom at home—and for those seeking it from abroad. ANSUT represents over 1,300 post-secondary faculty across Nova Scotia.