Canada's Ruling Conservatives at War with Science

Due to a number of actions from the ruling Conservative government, science funding in Canada is in a woeful state. This includes efforts to monitor and research issues related to the environment. Total public funding for science and technology has dropped by 12 per cent in the past four years, according to a recent Statistics Canada report. Of even more concern is where federal money is being allocated. Almost all of the $454-million in new research and development funding announced by the federal government for 2013, went public-private partnerships, largely for commercialization.

The federal government's funding largely eschews basic research which is so vital not only to developing profitable new innovations but for the wider aim of our collective betterment. Scientific research is also indispensable to informed government policy.

Stand Up For Science: Canadian Rallies Against the Federal Government's Cuts and Censorship

Today, Monday September 16th, 2013, people across Canada are standing up for science against a federal government who has systematically eroded federal support for scientific research.

The campaign know as “Stand Up for Science” includes rallies scheduled for 14 cities across Canada. At these gatherings people will demand that the federal government stop their anti-science campaign and provide more support for science which is in the public interest.

Most Canadians want policy and legislation that is based on the best scientific research. However, under Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper federally funded science has been decimated either through budget cuts or through communications restrictions. Their scientific censorship opposes basic freedoms and the public interest. Scientists should have the freedom to comment and help inform policy.

White Paper - Redefining Value: The New Metrics of Sustainable Business

This complimentary report provides a recap of key themes and takeaways from New Metrics '12, in the form of reflections on recent lessons, leading case studies and forthcoming opportunities.

We are seeing rapid shifts in the following three areas:

1. The degree to which citizens trust business
2. The degree to which people care if any individual brand persists,
3. The degree to which society is beginning to hold business accountable for addressing many of the social and environmental challenges we face.

The metrics by which we define and measure value must change if for no other reason than to respond to these shifts.