Canada’s three largest funding agencies have announced a coordinated public access policy, requiring research published under their auspices to be made freely accessible to the public within a year of publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) have issued "The Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications." 

"Moving toward open access is a way to increase transparency, accountability and efficiency," representatives wrote in an accompanying FAQ.

"[This policy] provides greater clarity for researchers, facilitates research collaboration, enables cooperative approaches to implementation, and will help accelerate the transition towards a truly open research literature and scholarly communication system, in order to maximize the economic, social, cultural, and health benefits for Canadians."

According to representatives, this increased access to the results of publicly-funded research is expected to spur scientific discovery, enable better international collaboration and coordination of research, enhance the engagement of society and support the economy.

The Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology) unveiled the policy. 

"[This policy[ will provide researchers, entrepreneurs, and the wider Canadian public with an increased opportunity to build upon this research in innovative ways that can create social or economic benefits for Canadians,” he said.

The policy will go into effect on May 1, 2015.

Source: Science.gc.ca