Study Says DEI Has Lowered Canadian Research Quality

A new report released on Sept. 1 by the Macdonald-Laurier Institute states that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI/EDI) policies in Canada's federal research system have reduced overall academic performance at Canadian universities. Authors Eric Kaufmann, Leif Rasmussen, and Jonah Davids analyzed data from Canada Research Chair (CRC) holders from 2016 to 2025, comparing publication output and citation rates using the h-index. The results showed differences in average h-index scores across demographic groups, leading to estimated productivity losses.

The CRC program was established in 2000 to attract and retain leading researchers with approximately $300 million in federal funding per year, administered by three granting agencies. Program rules require universities to meet specific representation targets for groups including racialized individuals, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and women. By 2025, the majority of institutions had met these EDI representation targets.

The report's authors argue that the emphasis on EDI targets has created an equity-excellence trade-off and conclude that the program should eliminate these targets to return to the disinterested pursuit of truth. Conversely, an official 2023 CRC evaluation and the federal granting agencies maintain that EDI targets do not reduce research excellence, but rather help improve research quality, social relevance, and remove systemic barriers.