7°c Clear
19°c Sunny
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Federal cuts dubbed 'attack on science'
Researchers to protest with 'funeral procession'
Mike Tate does research at the Experimental Lakes Area near Lyng, Ont., in 2008. (MIKE APORIUS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES) Photo Store
OTTAWA -- Several hundred Canadian scientists will leave their lab benches today to mark what they say is the death of evidence in this country at the hands of the federal government.
The protest will include a "funeral procession" march from the Ottawa Convention Centre to Parliament Hill, and eulogies to scientific evidence delivered by a number of nationally respected scientists.
"We want to let the public know this isn't just about budget cuts," said Katie Gibbs, a PhD student at the University of Ottawa. "It's a systematic attack on science."
Gibbs is one of the organizers of the Death of Evidence event, which is expected to draw nearly 1,000 people, many of them in the city for a conference on evolutionary biology.
The protest comes after millions were cut from basic research programs including ending the federal government's commitment to the unique Experimental Lakes Area near Kenora. The cuts include slashed budgets at the National Research Council, which is putting more than four-dozen Winnipeg scientists out of work and eliminating a successful research program on magnetic resonance imaging.
Other cuts include the closure of the Polar Atmospheric Environmental Research Lab, the elimination of the National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy and cuts to the scope and number of environmental reviews done by Environment Canada and Fisheries and Oceans.
Gibbs said the funeral procession is being staged to let the public know that while scientists don't usually speak out like this, this situation demands it.
"We need to show the public the scientific community is concerned," she said.
She said most people might not be directly affected by these cuts today, tomorrow or even next year, but over time they will start to notice there is less research available on a number of fronts, from protecting drinking water to reducing air pollution.
"Scientists are starting to realize we have to make that link for (people)," said Gibbs.
Scott Findlay, a biologist from the University of Ottawa, said the government is fleeing from evidence-based decision-making and turning instead to policy choices based on polling and ideology.
He said research done only to support an existing point of view isn't research, it's propaganda.
"I think that's something every Canadian should be concerned about," said Findlay.
Science and Technology Minister Gary Goodyear said in an email statement the government is investing in scientific research, with a $500-million increase in support over the next five years for the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
"Our government has made historic investments in science, technology and research to create jobs, grow our economy, and improve the quality of life for Canadians," said Goodyear.
The federal government believes Canada's reputation for basic research is sound but that the country has lagged when it comes to applied research and commercialization. Ottawa is trying to correct that by changing the focus of government research to applied research that will help create jobs.
Findlay said it's good to invest in applied research but it is basic research -- such as that done at the Experimental Lakes Area -- which is the foundation for applied research. Without that foundation, applied research has nothing to draw from.
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 10, 2012 B3
More Latest News
- Back to Top
- Return to Latest News
More Latest News
(1 of 50 articles for this week)
Duffy expense controversy sent back to closed-door Senate committee
05/21/2013 10:02 PM 0
Poll
Most Popular Latest News
- 87-year-old woman tells jurors, 'Somebody had to stand up to' Donald Trump
- Man dies after being pulled from vehicle submerged in Winnipeg retention pond
- Rainfall warning issued for southern Manitoba
- A new mom's booze-fuelled hell
- Apple trick on Ellen falls short for city woman
- Male facing charges after gun fired in Exchange District
- Justin Bieber's pet monkey becomes property of Germany after singer misses deadline
- Peeping Tom portrayed as sexual deviant in court
- Gay Archie character to kiss partner in Pop Tate's
- Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris evacuated after suicide inside the landmark church
- Seattle man dribbling soccer ball to Brazil killed by car on Oregon Coast
- 87-year-old woman tells jurors, 'Somebody had to stand up to' Donald Trump
- Aboriginal leader Elijah Harper dies
- Woman killed in head-on crash in southwestern Manitoba
- Horrific crash kills minivan driver near Brandon
- Charleswood deaths being investigated as domestic incident
- Man dies after being pulled from vehicle submerged in Winnipeg retention pond
- Rainfall warning issued for southern Manitoba
- Crushing blow for amateur sport
- US woman credits 'mother's instincts' in chase of 4-year-old daughter's abductor
- Seattle man dribbling soccer ball to Brazil killed by car on Oregon Coast
- 87-year-old woman tells jurors, 'Somebody had to stand up to' Donald Trump
- Driver crashes into tree near golf course
- Arrests made after raids on local head shops
- Aboriginal leader Elijah Harper dies
- News of city's $17-million winner leaks out on FB
- Passengers from diverted flight to leave Winnipeg Thursday night
- No threat from bag found at Winnipeg Square
- Susan Griffiths dies in Switzerland
- Woman killed in head-on crash in southwestern Manitoba
- Police make grow-op bust
- MP Bruinooge says Bill 18 could infringe on religious freedoms
- Bethania CEO put on leave during investigation
- Elijah Harper: The humble man who said no
- Two charged in golf course burglary
- Power restored to Linden Woods after goose collides with lines
- Man breaks world record by riding Ferris wheel at Chicago's Navy Pier for more than 48 hours
- Doc's memoir portrays ERs as frantic, funny, frightening ... but never dull
- WAG's 100 Masters exhibit drawing more than art aficionados
- Man dies after being pulled from vehicle submerged in Winnipeg retention pond
- Aboriginal leader Elijah Harper dies
- Marsh Madness: Photographers Fred Greenslade and Joe Bryksa capture spring migration's grandeur at Delta Marsh
- Prominent Canadians back petition to rename Victoria Day to honour aboriginals
- Horrific crash kills minivan driver near Brandon
- Province removing red tape in alcohol sales
- Animals are animals, new ads say
- Skin picking gets status as distinct disorder, should help sufferers access help
- Crushing blow for amateur sport
- Man charged, victims identified in double homicide
- Manitoba's changing spiritual landscape
- Aboriginal leader Elijah Harper dies
- Dogs can experience separation anxiety and depression just like humans
- Paul McCartney to play Winnipeg Aug. 12
- Ontario steps in to help save ELA
- Saskatchewan professor wants to test the health benefits of nose-picking
- 'Revenge of the redheads': Ginger-haired Montrealers gather in celebration
- An uncommon phenomenon
- Passengers from diverted flight to leave Winnipeg Thursday night
- Hundreds pitch in to dig out houses damaged, destroyed by Ochre Beach ice floe
- Retail sales in province see 2 per cent increase in February
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.