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Federal cuts dubbed 'attack on science'

Researchers to protest with 'funeral procession'

By: Mia Rabson

Posted: 07/10/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

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.

mia.rabson@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 10, 2012 B3

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