Scientists and media
The office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Navdeep Bains, issued a statement Friday that took muzzles off government scientists, such as those working for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).
They will no longer have to seek approval to speak with media. Now when they are contacted by media for background information and quotes they can agree to be interviewed.
“Our government values science and will treat scientists with respect,” Mr. Bains said in the statement. “That is why government scientists and experts will be able to speak freely about their work to the media and the public.”
The minister added that he and the government were “working to make government science fully available to the public and will ensure that scientific analyses are considered in decision making.”
David Prince, the director of the Canadian Hydrographic Service, a branch of the DFO producing “nautical charts and navigational products” said hydrographic services scientists were informed of the change at a regularly scheduled staff meeting on Friday.
He said the scientists welcomed the news of the policy change and “look forward to talking about their science.” Mr. Prince added that scientists were instructed how to approach responding to media questions. They were told to “stick to the science, don’t talk about things you’re not an expert in.”
The promise by the Liberals to free scientists working for government is one of many Prime Minister Trudeau and his colleagues are working to fulfill in the early days of their administration.
