OBJECTIVE This survey assesses the research training and productivity of academic faculty in Canadian departments of psychiatry and compares the findings with those of colleagues in the United States. METHODS A questionnaire was adapted to suit the Canadian milieu and was distributed to a target population of 2484, including a core 522 full-time faculty. RESULTS The response rate among full-time faculty was 65%, but only 26.5% for clinical and adjunct faculty. A small proportion (16%) of our MD and a greater proportion (57%) of our PhD respondents were included in a fairly lenient definition of researcher. Departments seek to recruit PhDs with an active involvement in research. Overall there appear to be more similarities than differences in research interests with our colleagues in the United States. The pharmaceutical industry was the most frequently mentioned source of research funding for MDs, while the availability of a mentor was perceived as the most influential factor determining the choice of a research career. CONCLUSIONS Recommendations include adequate exposure to research during medical school and residency as well as appropriate inducements for the recruitment and retention of practising researchers.