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Prime Minister urged to end clampdown on scientists

(Ottawa – February 14, 2013) In a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, CAUT is calling on the government of Canada to protect the integrity and independence of scientific researchers by immediately removing unacceptable publication restrictions and confidentiality requirements it has imposed. 

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February 14, 2013

The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper
Prime Minister
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON  K1A 0A2

Dear Prime Minister:

We are writing on behalf of the 68,000 members of the Canadian Association of University Teachers to express our deep dismay and anger at your government’s attack on the independence, integrity and academic freedom of scientific researchers.

According to information we have received, your government has issued new confidentiality rules and publication “procedures” to federal fisheries scientists. These rules unduly restrict researchers from publishing or speaking about their work and require them to seek approval from government before publishing in scientific journals.

These actions run contrary to the spirit of free scientific inquiry and smack of political censorship. By restricting the ability of government scientists to share their research results, your government will also impede important scientific progress.  You should know that history has taught us well that good research does not emerge from political diktats and control.

We urge you to protect the integrity and independence of government science by immediately removing these unacceptable publication restrictions and confidentiality requirements.

We urge you to reverse your decision.

Yours sincerely,
              
Wayne D. Peters                        James L. Turk
President                                  Executive Director

cc:    The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean
        The Honourable Tom Mulcair, Leader of the Opposition
        The Honourable Bob Rae, Leader of the Liberal Party
        M. Daniel Paillé, chef du Bloc Québécois
        Ms. Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party