Canadian scientists have been muzzled by Ottawa, now Harper's ruling Conservatives are trying to silence American researchers as well. In February, Postmedia News reported that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans demanded that scientists on a joint Canada-US Arctic research project sign a sweeping confidentiality agreement.
One American oceanographer researching climate change project said the Canadian federal government is limiting his academic freedom.
According to a 28-page report from.Democracy Watch and the University of Victoria’s Environmental Law Centre access to scientific information is now controlled by the government's media relations offices. Media relations now decide who researchers are allowed to talk to, and they routinely deny interviews. When they are permitted to speak they are given scripts containing ‘approved lines.’
One American oceanographer researching climate change project said the Canadian federal government is limiting his academic freedom.
According to a 28-page report from.Democracy Watch and the University of Victoria’s Environmental Law Centre access to scientific information is now controlled by the government's media relations offices. Media relations now decide who researchers are allowed to talk to, and they routinely deny interviews. When they are permitted to speak they are given scripts containing ‘approved lines.’
