Update to Researchers on Office of Sponsored Research Services during the MUNACA Strike

Dear Colleagues,

As we are reaching a high-volume period for grant applications, I am writing to update you on how the strike by the McGill University Non-academic Certified Association (MUNACA) is affecting services at the Office of Sponsored Research (OSR).

First and foremost, I would like to reassure you that we have not seen and do not expect any delays or interruptions in services related to grant competitions. At the same time, a few areas related to award and contract approvals are experiencing slowdowns. As a result, I would like to briefly update you on all of these situations.

Grant Competitions

The OSR continues to work diligently to get all federal and provincial grants submitted by the designated deadlines. Since it started on September 1, the labour disruption has neither caused any interruptions to these services, nor do we anticipate any major delays occurring.

In fact, our office has successfully processed all applications for the CIHR Operating Grant and the SSHRC Insight Grant competitions – as well as for CFI LOF, provincial, and other CIHR competitions – without incident. Looking ahead, we also expect to provide researchers with our full support and range of services for the NSERC Research Tools and NSERC Discovery Grants competitions.

OSR’s priority remains the management of major Tri-Council, provincial, and other deadline-driven competitions, regardless of sponsor. We are maintaining normal support for these competitions, including services related to the review, guidance, and submission of applications.

Award Approvals

Due to a reduced workforce, we have experienced some delays in award approvals and other services offered by the Awards Management Unit of OSR. We are working hard to minimize slowdowns in the review and approval of sub-grants and sub-awards, both to and from McGill – services that are required before Research and Restricted Funds can open a new fund.

We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding if you experience a delay in this area. Please plan accordingly, and do not hesitate to contact our office for additional information.

Contracts and Agreements

We have also experienced some slowdowns in services related to contracts and agreements, especially complex contracts that do not follow our standard agreement templates and/or require legal advice or approval.

In addition to the areas outlined above, OSR’s overall priorities remain unchanged from what was previously announced. If you have any questions about our services, please contact the relevant OSR staff member. We are happy to help you.

Once again, I would like to reiterate that OSR remains open during the strike, and we will continue to do our best to manage your awards, oversee your contracts, and provide all the other services on which you rely.

Sincerely,

Mary-Margaret Klempa
Senior Director
Office of Sponsored Research