Scientists gather on Parliament Hill to mourn loss of vital environmental programs.
Hundreds of scientists marched to Parliament Hill for a mock funeral on Tuesday, responding to an online invitation distributed by unnamed concerned Canadian scientists and their supporters. As scientists consider the end of programs like the Experimental Lakes Area, a metaphor does come to mind.
"The scientific community is sad to report the death of evidence, which passed away June 18th, 2012, after an over six year battle with Harper government policies," said the online invitation. "Objective and honest, evidence was heavily involved in all aspects of Canadian prosperity and will be sorely missed by all Canadians, whether they currently realize it or not."
July 10 Death of Evidence demonstration on Parliament Hill to protest cuts to environmental testing programs.
Another web page explains why Canadians should be concerned. "Democracy depends on informed opinion. Informed opinion relies on understanding all the evidence, not just that which supports a political objective or ideology. Science provides much of the best evidence, without regard to political agendas or ideology…
"The Harper government has embarked on a systematic program to impede and divert the flow of scientific information to Canadians through two major strategies. The first involves the gutting of programs and institutions whose principal mandate is the collection of scientific evidence. Examples of this include:
- Cutting the mandatory long-form national census.
- Major budget reductions to research programs at Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Library and Archives Canada, the National Research Council Canada, Statistics Canada, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
- Decisions to close major natural and social science research institutions such as the world-renowned Experimental Lakes Area, the National Council of Welfare and the First Nations Statistical Institute.
- Closing of The Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL) in Eureka, Nunavut
"Harper's second strategy is perhaps less overt, but even more insidious: to impede the bringing forward of scientific evidence into the public debate. Examples:
- Not renewing the The National Science Advisor in 2008.
- Dozens of instances of censoring of, impeded access to, and coercion of government scientists, a practice which Minister of Environment Peter Kent has justified as merely in keeping with 'established practice'
- Shutting down the National Round Table on Environment and Economy (NRTEE), an arm's length advisory body providing independent advice on environmental protection and economic development, because the government didn't like its advice."
The funeral service took place on Tuesday July 10th, 2012 starting at the Ottawa Convention Centre, and ending at Parliament Hill. SGN recorded some of the speakers. Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians, talked of water and environmental assessment. Ted Hsu, Liberal MP who was a scientist before he was elected in May, reminded the public they control the currency of politics — votes. Lastly, Dr Scott Findlay, rally organizer and Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa, gave a closing message.
About Samantha Bayard
Samantha Bayard is a young journalist living and working out of Ottawa. She has been a contributor to the Straight Goods News family of websites since 2009. She is an avid cyclist and lover of animals.
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