Scientists must feel free to speak out

We thought the almost decadelong muzzling of federal scientists in Canada was behind us when Stephen Harper’s Conservative government was voted out in 2015. But apparently we were only partly right.

According to a survey released this week by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, which represents more than 15,000 scientists, more than half of respondents say they still don’t feel they can speak freely to the public and media about their work.

That’s despite the fact that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other ministers associated with science portfolios publicly announced in 2015 that scientists were free to discuss their work with each other and the public.

While the number of scientists who don’t feel they can speak freely is down dramatically from 90 per cent in 2013, in the Harper era, it’s still dangerous for Canadians. For example, 23 per cent of respondents said they are aware of cases where public health and safety has been compromised because of political interference with scientific work since the last election. That is unacceptable.

The survey found roadblocks that prevent scientists from speaking out include managers who are resistant to change, media relations staff who are stopping researchers from talking to reporters, and a lack of whistleblower protection.

The Trudeau government should complete the good work it started more than two years ago in this area. It should remove the obstacles that remain to scientists speaking freely about the work they do on behalf of the public.