The main reason is that research, particularly long-term research in fields like medicine does not bring good optics for an election. What you'll notice is that the main research fields getting public funding are industrial or applied research because the government can get quick results. In terms of budget cuts, research takes a lot of resources and most basic research does not produce tangible benefits. In the last 25 years, Conservatives and Liberals have placed other priorities over research. For Conservatives, they can get more support for tax cuts by defunding research. For Liberals, they can divert scientific research funds for things that give them more media and press coverage. Such as "studies" on women and minorities, discrimination, and indigenous land and culture.