Across the country, scientists are protesting against the Harper Government’s economic policies.
In Ottawa, a funeral procession for what scientists across the nation are calling the death of devaluation of knowledge itself.
At the University of Regina on Tuesday, researchers, students, and concerned citizens voice their dilemma at a rally.
“The changes that were wrapped into the budget bill combined with cuts to programs that really weren’t that much money leads us to believe it is an anit-science agenda,” said Britt Hall, Associate Professor of Biology at the U of R.
Many of those decisions were wrapped up in the controversial marathon vote of Bill C38. The 425 page piece of legislation contained changes to many of our research facilities like Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans, and Statistics Canada.
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Scientists say the cuts to their programs are deep, but it’s the average citizen who will ultimately lose out.
“This means we don’t have the evidence we need to make the decisions on what happens to our cities or our communities,” said Hall.
Here in Saskatchewan the Indian Head Shelterbelt program got the ax, along with Bratt’s Lake Observatory just 20 km south of Regina. They’re scrambling to find private investors to keep their research and programs running.
No conservative MPs would speak with Global News Tuesday, but the Harper Government did release a statement.
“Our government is investing in science and research that is leading to breakthroughs that are strengthening our economy and the quality of life of all Canadians. Our investments are enabling Canadian scientists in universities, colleges, businesses and other organizations to help secure Canada’s prosperity today and into the future.”
It’s a response that left local Liberal MP Ralph Goodale shaking his head.
“This is a cut against information, against facts, against evidence,” he said. “They want to make their decisions on the basis of political instinct rather than on the basis of hard evidence.”
The working hypothesis for protesting scientists is that by educating the public they will inspire a shift at the polls, and the results of this experiment will be felt by the conservative majority.
“We want to make an impact on the Government’s policies when they go into the next election cycle, or perhaps even vote this government out,” said Hall.
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