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Hi Tracey P.
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
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