Last week we finally heard some good news—the federal Information
Commissioner is going to do a full investigation into the muzzling of
government scientists in six different federal
departments1. This is an important first step
in stopping the censorship and suppression of our publicly funded
science.
A huge thank you to everyone who has sent a message. Over 5,200
Canadians have already taken a stand and our concerns are being
heard.
Strict new communications policies for public scientists aren’t the
only problem science in Canada is facing. We’ve seen the closing of many
national research programs2, the loss of our
national science advisor3 and science budgets shifting to commercialization over basic
research4, just to name a few.
Yet, Gary Goodyear, our Minister for Science and Technology, keeps
repeating that “no government in the history of this country has
supported science as much as this government
has.”5
What evidence does he have to back up that
claim?
Evidence for Democracy co-founder, Dr. Scott Findlay, analysed that
question in an op-ed in the National Post yesterday.
http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2013/04/08/scott-findlay-federal-government-boasts-big-on-science-offers-little-proof/
Check out the article for the results. Please help get the facts out,
by sharing the article on Facebook, Twitter, and with your networks.
Thanks,
Katie Gibbs Executive Director, Evidence for
Democracy
Sources
1. Muzzling of scientists subject of 'unique' probe by
Canada's information watchdog (The Star) http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/04/01/information_commissioner_suzanne_legault_launching_probe_into_muzzling_of_ government_scientists.html
2. How evidence died background document. http://www.deathofevidence.ca/why
3. Canada abolishes its national science advisor
(Nature) http://www.nature.com/news/2008/080130/full/451505a.html
4. Canada puts commercialization ahead of blue-sky research
(Nature) http://www.nature.com/news/canada-puts-commercialization-ahead-of-blue-sky-research-1.12663
5. CBC’s The National, March 19th 2013 |