Canadian scientists to march in Ottawa to protest 'death of evidence'

[Lucy Goosey]

“There is systematic campaign to reduce the flow of scientific evidence to Canadians,” said Scott Findlay, a U of O biology professor.

“As a result, the public hears and sees only information that supports federal government policy or ideology. That’s not evidence, that’s propaganda.”

Biology, especially environmental research, has been one of the areas hit hardest by this summer’s federal budget cuts.

This summer’s federal cuts have ended all funding to an Arctic atmospheric research lab called PEARL, and the Experimental Lakes Area in northwestern Ontario.

Both are leading centres of real-world experiments to study our land and water in ways that no one can do in a lab. Both have international reputations.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Scientists+unite+protest+death+research/6902054/story.html#ixzz20E3KieFR

"The Harper government is the most environmentally hostile one we have ever had in Canada. Harper pulled Canada out of the Kyoto protocol, gutted the Fisheries Act (our strongest freshwater protection law), and hollowed out our environmental assessment legislation, making it easier for extractive industries to get licences to exploit," said Maude Barlow, a former UN advisor on water and chair of the Council of Canadians. "It is heartlessly shutting down a programme that costs very little to run given the incredible benefits it brings, in order to silence the voices who speak for water."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jul/09/canada-stephen-harper-revolt-scientists?newsfeed=true