Bad Astronomy

Canadian scientists fight back against censorship

In September, I wrote about how the conservative political party in control in Canada is throttling scientists, forcing them to get permission to discuss their scientific results with the media. This is a clear attempt to keep scientists from talking about results that are contrary to the ideology of the political party– and we’re talking about such topics as global warming here. This hearkens back to what was going on here in the US just a few short years ago.

Now Canadian scientists are firing back: they’ve launched a website where they can take their results straight to the public without government interference. The site – artfully named PublicScience.ca – features interviews and videos with Canadian government scientists.

The site is a beautiful thumb-to-the-nose to those in the government who think they can suppress science. Here’s their site description:

This site is sponsored by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada.

PUBLICSCIENCE.ca opens up the world of science for the public good.

PUBLICSCIENCE.ca advocates for support for the science that touches the daily lives of Canadians in so many important ways.

“Opens up the world of science for the public good.” Awesome. Their press release announcing the site makes this clear, too.

I’m certain this makes some government officials apoplectic, and I’m quite enjoying myself envisioning that right now. I loathe censorship in any form, but I especially abhor it when it’s done out of ideology to choke out science and reality.

Good on ya, Canadian scientists. Speak up, loudly and clearly. At the bottom of the site’s homepage is a call to action for Canadian citizens, too. I encourage my neighbors to the north to follow those links, and let your government know that science is for everyone, and not just when it agrees with your personal beliefs.

Tip o’ the toque to Boing Boing and Westsidekef.