Harper Government muzzles scientists







The Harper government is facing an investigation by the Federal Information Commissioner’s Office concerning allegations of the censorship of Canadian scientists.

According to the National Post, the media has had a difficult time accessing information on such issues as arctic ozone loss, and prehistoric floods. Specific departments such as Environment Canada are not allowed to make statements to the press on issues such as climate change and the protection of polar bears, until first receiving approval from the Privy Council’s Office. (National Post) 

In addition to Environment Canada, other departments affected by these restrictions include National Research Council of Canada, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Natural Resources, Department of Defense, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.  It should also be noted that departments such as National Resources Canada flat out prohibit scientists from discussing topics such as climate change and the oil sands to the media. (National Post)        

The government has denied the allegations of censorship, and Gary Goodyear Minister of State for Science and Technology has insisted the government does provide the media with access to scientists. (National Post)

If the Federal Information Commissioner’s Office does indeed find that Canadian scientists have been censored by the government, what does this mean?  Why should this matter, or be an issue of importance to the Canadian public?

First and foremost, this issue is important because Canadian taxpayers are the ones paying the bill for these environmental studies to be commissioned, and are not able to access the results. Access to information should be valued over all, especially in democratic countries. Without information the Canadian public cannot make critical decisions regarding the policies their government wants to introduce.  Freedom of the Press is one of the tenets of democracy, and arguably the most important. It ensures that the government understands it exists solely to serve the people of the land through the distribution of programs and services that the people want.  Let us not forget that, and let us always hold our government accountable for its actions. 


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