Editorials

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Past time to remove gag order

By: Editorial

Posted: 02/22/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

(DALE CUMMINGS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

Minority government is a difficult animal to manage, with every move offering fodder for the opposition to seize and exploit. It was understandable then that the early years of the Harper administration were characterized by a rigid control of media access, tight-lipped ministers and "reporting lines" that gagged civil servants.

It is time, however, that the Tories in Ottawa loosened up. A majority government is not under constant threat of dissolution. Yet the continuing stranglehold on information in the vast warren of government departments is evident to those in the media who are constrained by message managers demanding questions in writing in advance, which are vetted by senior department staff, and who get rare access to interviews with civil servants. This puts out of reach to Canadians a wealth of information, something particularly relevant in the area of scientific research on issues of national concern.

The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, representing 23,000 federal scientists, has sent an open letter to the Harper government urging it to reopen the lines of communication and let scientists speak about their work without the censoring of the government's communications and political staff, who massage material to conform to "political messaging."

The letter notes the heavy-handed control of information has produced absurd examples of federal scientists being barred from speaking publicly, even about published work -- the breadth of holes in the ozone layer and a virus threatening the stocks of B.C. salmon.

It is legitimate for governments to control their messages and they must have a chance to review research before public release. Policy proposals and draft legislation are tied to an administration. Advice to ministers is protected. But public understanding of the legitimacy of laws and necessity of services require the free flow of information, and media are critical to that relationship.

Scientists produce research for the benefit of the country, not the employer of the day. Transparency and accountability demand that information flow freely.

The Harper government should lift from scientists its 2007 protocol, which effectively bars them from speaking freely publicly. A government that acts as if it owns information gathered for and paid by citizens does a disservice to the public, the civil service and democracy -- and it invites suspicion.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 22, 2012 A10

(You must be logged in to post your reaction)

Your reaction?

More Editorials

Undock

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.

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; View the changes. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.