Government scientists across Canada were crying “Eureka!” this week after their new prime minister removed the gags that had been stuffed in their mouths for the last nine years.
For those who aren’t familiar, the scientists who work in our various federal departments were forbidden from speaking publicly or to the media about their work and findings, under threat of losing their jobs.
Typically, when we would request an interview with a scientist in, say, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the request would be sent upstream where throngs of media handlers would pass it around via email, strategizing how best to respond without actually granting anyone an interview.
Then, a few days after deadline, we’d get a prepared statement, often exalting the greatness of government and completely ignoring the original questions asked. It was part of the previous government’s attempt to exert white knuckle control over information, especially the stuff that ran contrary to the party line.
Following the announcement that Statistics Canada would reinstitute the mandatory long-form census from last week, it’s like a light bulb has come back on in Ottawa, which we’re pleased to see.
But whether the new government actually uses that light to shine its way remains to be seen. One of the first real tests of Justin Trudeau’s chops will come at the United Nations Paris Climate Conference next month. All eyes, including ours, will be watching to see if our nation’s new-found love of science carries over into sound policy.
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